African

1 of 2

noun

Af·​ri·​can ˈa-fri-kən How to pronounce African (audio)
 also  ˈä-
1
: a native or inhabitant of Africa
2
: a person and especially a Black person of African ancestry

African

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent of Africa or its people
Africanness noun

Examples of African in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
During the walk, stroll some memorable sites and shops, like: The First African Baptist Church which is now a Reconstruction Era National Historic Park. Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2025 Initiatives such as the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, WASHA Takwimu and Data Science Without Borders are critical in this regard. Harrison Muiru, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Where to Drink in Miami Casa Neos Taking inspiration from Mediterranean and North African cultures, Casa Neos is a luxe oasis along the Miami River that boasts a hotel, restaurant, lounge, private members beach club, and dock. Benjamin Liong Setiawan, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Additionally, a 2025 study from Forbes found that 27 percent of African American women have reported an incidence of online abuse. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for African

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English Aufrican, Affrican, going back to Old English Africanas (plural), borrowed from Latin Āfricānus african entry 2

Adjective

borrowed from Latin Āfricānus, from Āfrica (short for Āfrica terra, literally, "African land," from feminine of Āfricus "of the Roman province of Africa [present-day northern Tunisia], of the continent of Africa," from Āfr-, Āfer "of Africa, inhabitant of North Africa [other than Egypt]" —of unknown origin— + -icus -ic entry 1) + -ānus -an entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of African was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“African.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/African. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

African

noun
Af·​ri·​can
ˈaf-ri-kən
1
: a person born or living in Africa
2
: a person of African ancestry
African adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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