noun
bwana
BWAH-nuh
noun
1
A term meaning "boss" or "important man," used especially in East Africa.
"The workers greeted him as "bwana" out of respect."
How to Use Bwana
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA respectful East African term for a boss or important man.
Word Forms
bwanas plural
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The workers greeted him as "_____" out of respect.
Etymology
Borrowed from Swahili bwana ("master"), itself from an Arabic word for "our father."