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noun

Pathan

puh-TAHN
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Pathan (noun) means a member of the Pashto-speaking people of Afghanistan and north-west Pakistan; another name for Pashtun. Example: “His grandfather was a Pathan from the North-West Frontier.”

noun
1
A member of the Pashto-speaking people of Afghanistan and north-west Pakistan; another name for Pashtun.
"His grandfather was a Pathan from the North-West Frontier."

How to use Pathan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn older or South-Asian-English name for the Pashtun ethnic group.

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Word forms

Plural
Pathans
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His grandfather was a _____ from the North-West Frontier.

Etymology

Borrowed from Hindustani paṭhān — the same people are also known as Pashtun.

Pashtun Pushtun Pashtoon

Related words

Rhymes for Pathan

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Pathan” mean?
The word “Pathan” means a member of the Pashto-speaking people of Afghanistan and north-west Pakistan; another name for Pashtun. In plain terms, an older or South-Asian-English name for the Pashtun ethnic group.
How do you pronounce “Pathan”?
“Pathan” is pronounced puh-TAHN (/pəˈtɑːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Pathan” in a sentence?
Here is “Pathan” used in a sentence: “His grandfather was a Pathan from the North-West Frontier.”
What part of speech is “Pathan”?
“Pathan” is a noun.

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