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noun

coolie

KOO-lee
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Coolie (noun) means (dated, now often offensive) An unskilled laborer, historically often of Chinese or Indian descent, especially one working under an indenture system. Example: “The history book described the harsh conditions faced by coolies on the plantations.”

noun
1
(dated, now often offensive) An unskilled laborer, historically often of Chinese or Indian descent, especially one working under an indenture system.
"The history book described the harsh conditions faced by coolies on the plantations."

How to use coolie

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA historical term for a hired unskilled laborer, mainly used of Chinese or Indian indentured workers in the colonial era.

When to use it

Now widely considered offensive or a slur in many contexts; it survives mainly in historical writing rather than everyday use.

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Word forms

Plural
coolies

Etymology

Borrowed from Hindi/Urdu qulī ("hired laborer"), itself possibly traceable to Ottoman Turkish or a Gujarati tribal name; the word spread through European colonial trade to describe indentured Asian laborers.

Origin: Hindi

Synonyms

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cooly

Rhymes for coolie

pie die lie tie sie vie hie i.e. brie movie eerie moxie
See all rhymes for coolie →

Frequently asked questions

What does “coolie” mean?
The word “coolie” means (dated, now often offensive) An unskilled laborer, historically often of Chinese or Indian descent, especially one working under an indenture system. In plain terms, a historical term for a hired unskilled laborer, mainly used of Chinese or Indian indentured workers in the colonial era.
How do you pronounce “coolie”?
“Coolie” is pronounced KOO-lee (/ˈkuːli/ in IPA).
How do you use “coolie” in a sentence?
Here is “coolie” used in a sentence: “The history book described the harsh conditions faced by coolies on the plantations.”
What part of speech is “coolie”?
“Coolie” is a noun.
Where does the word “coolie” come from?
The word “coolie” comes from Hindi. Borrowed from Hindi/Urdu qulī ("hired laborer"), itself possibly traceable to Ottoman Turkish or a Gujarati tribal name; the word spread through European colonial trade to describe indentured Asian laborers.

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Words with Hindi & Urdu origins