name
Arabic
A-ruh-bihk
name
1
A major Semitic language spoken across the Middle East and North Africa, with many regional dialects and a shared formal written form.
"He spent a year in Cairo learning Arabic."
"Modern Standard Arabic is used in news broadcasts across the Arab world."
adj
1
Relating to the Arabic language or its script; also used for the standard "0-9" digit system (Arabic numerals), which actually reached Europe via Arab scholars rather than being invented by them.
"The invoice used Arabic numerals instead of Roman ones."
How to Use Arabic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe Arabic language and its script, or things written using ordinary digits (1, 2, 3...) rather than Roman numerals.
Common mistake
Use "Arabic" for the language, script, and numerals; use "Arabian" for people, places, and the horse breed.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
Arabic numerals
speak Arabic
Arabic script
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “Arabic”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He spent a year in Cairo learning _____.
Etymology
From Latin arabicus, from Greek Arabikos, ultimately from Arab plus an adjective-forming suffix.