Swahili
1 synonym for Swahili, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — A Bantu language widely spoken across East Africa, historically shaped by contact between Bantu and Arabic-speaking traders.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Kiswahili
Etymology
From Arabic sawahil, "coasts," describing the peoples of the East African coastline.
Full origin of Swahili →Frequently asked questions
What does “Swahili” mean?
The word “Swahili” means a Bantu language widely spoken across East Africa, historically shaped by contact between Bantu and Arabic-speaking traders. In plain terms, the major trade language of East Africa, or a person belonging to the coastal peoples who speak it.
How do you pronounce “Swahili”?
“Swahili” is pronounced swuh-HEE-lee (/swɑˈhili/ in IPA).
How do you use “Swahili” in a sentence?
Here is “Swahili” used in a sentence: “Swahili is one of the official languages of Kenya and Tanzania.”
What part of speech is “Swahili”?
Depending on how it is used, “Swahili” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Swahili” come from?
The word “Swahili” comes from Arabic. From Arabic sawahil, "coasts," describing the peoples of the East African coastline.
How many meanings does “Swahili” have?
“Swahili” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Bantu language widely spoken across East Africa, historically shaped by contact between Bantu and Arabic-speaking traders.
