Indians and pilgrims became Americans. The term "American" was first used in 1784 to refer to the citizens of the United States of America. The word "Indian" was used to refer to the indigenous people of the Americas, and the word "pilgrim" was used to refer to the English settlers who arrived in America in the 17th century. Over time, the terms "Indian" and "pilgrim" were used less frequently, and the term "American" became the preferred term for all citizens of the United States of America.