Kwanzaa
1 synonym for Kwanzaa, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — A week-long African-American cultural celebration held from December 26 to January 1, honouring African heritage and community values.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Kwanza
Etymology
Coined in 1966 by activist Maulana Karenga from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning "first fruits"; an extra "a" was added so the word would have seven letters, matching Kwanzaa's seven guiding principles.
Full origin of Kwanzaa →Frequently asked questions
What does “Kwanzaa” mean?
The word “Kwanzaa” means a week-long African-American cultural celebration held from December 26 to January 1, honouring African heritage and community values. In plain terms, a modern African-American holiday celebrating heritage, family, and community, distinct from Christmas or Hanukkah though celebrated in the same season.
How do you pronounce “Kwanzaa”?
“Kwanzaa” is pronounced KWAHN-zuh (/ˈkwɑnzə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Kwanzaa” in a sentence?
Here is “Kwanzaa” used in a sentence: “Each night of Kwanzaa, the family lights a candle and discusses one of the seven principles.”
What part of speech is “Kwanzaa”?
“Kwanzaa” is a name.
Where does the word “Kwanzaa” come from?
The word “Kwanzaa” dates back to around 1966 and comes from Swahili. Coined in 1966 by activist Maulana Karenga from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning "first fruits"; an extra "a" was added so the word would have seven letters, matching Kwanzaa's seven guiding principles.
