the midwestern united states (or midwest) is a name for the north-central states of the united states of america. the midwest is composed of nebraska, indiana, illinois, iowa, kansas, minnesota, missouri, michigan, north dakota, ohio, south dakota and wisconsin. oklahoma and kentucky are occasionally considered midwestern, but this definitely is questioned by scholars, whom refer to those regions, along with missouri to be border states - those consisting of southern and midwestern traits. the word "midwest" has been in common use since the late 19th century. other names for the area are no longer used. these names include the "northwest" or "old northwest", "mid-america," or "the heartland".