name Uncommon

Mandela

man-DEH-luh

Mandela (name) means a Xhosa surname, most famously borne by South African leader Nelson Mandela. Example: “Mandela spent 27 years in prison before becoming president.”

name

A Xhosa surname, most famously borne by South African leader Nelson Mandela.

"Mandela spent 27 years in prison before becoming president."

How to use Mandela

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBest known as the surname of Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid leader and first Black president of South Africa.

Word forms

Mandelaed past tense, Mandelas singular

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_____ spent 27 years in prison before becoming president.

Etymology

Borrowed from Xhosa.

Rhymes for Mandela

Ela Lela Bela Adela Leela Teela abuela Angela Pamela Sheela favela Daniela

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Mandela” mean?

The word “Mandela” means a Xhosa surname, most famously borne by South African leader Nelson Mandela. In plain terms, best known as the surname of Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid leader and first Black president of South Africa.

How do you pronounce “Mandela”?

“Mandela” is pronounced man-DEH-luh (/mænˈdɛlə/ in IPA).

How do you use “Mandela” in a sentence?

Here is “Mandela” used in a sentence: “Mandela spent 27 years in prison before becoming president.”

What part of speech is “Mandela”?

“Mandela” is a name.

Is “Mandela” a common word?

“Mandela” is an uncommon word in modern English.