coolie
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.”
How to use coolie
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA historical term for a hired unskilled laborer, mainly used of Chinese or Indian indentured workers in the colonial era.
Now widely considered offensive or a slur in many contexts; it survives mainly in historical writing rather than everyday use.
Word forms
coolies plural
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.
Rhymes for coolie
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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