name Uncommon

Benin

bih-NEEN

Benin (name) means a country in West Africa, formerly known as Dahomey until 1975. Example: “Benin shares borders with Nigeria, Togo, and Niger.”

name

A country in West Africa, formerly known as Dahomey until 1975.

"Benin shares borders with Nigeria, Togo, and Niger."

A historical West African kingdom centered in what is now southern Nigeria, known for its bronze and ivory artwork.

"The Benin Bronzes were looted from the Kingdom of Benin by British forces in 1897."

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_____ shares borders with Nigeria, Togo, and Niger.

Etymology

From Portuguese Benim, itself from an Itsekiri name for the Benin Kingdom, first recorded in the 1490s.

Origin: Portuguese · First attested 1490

Class of 1490 Benin joined the language around 1490.

nude

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Rhymes for Benin

Lenin

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Benin” mean?

The word “Benin” means a country in West Africa, formerly known as Dahomey until 1975.

How do you pronounce “Benin”?

“Benin” is pronounced bih-NEEN (/bəˈnin/ in IPA).

How do you use “Benin” in a sentence?

Here is “Benin” used in a sentence: “Benin shares borders with Nigeria, Togo, and Niger.”

What part of speech is “Benin”?

“Benin” is a name.

Where does the word “Benin” come from?

The word “Benin” dates back to around 1490 and comes from Portuguese. From Portuguese Benim, itself from an Itsekiri name for the Benin Kingdom, first recorded in the 1490s.

Is “Benin” a common word?

“Benin” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Benin” have?

“Benin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a country in West Africa, formerly known as Dahomey until 1975.

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Vocabulary lists that include Benin:

Words with Portuguese origins