Swahili
Swahili (name) means a Bantu language widely spoken across East Africa, historically shaped by contact between Bantu and Arabic-speaking traders. Example: “Swahili is one of the official languages of Kenya and Tanzania.”
How to use Swahili
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe major trade language of East Africa, or a person belonging to the coastal peoples who speak it.
Word forms
Swahilis plural, Swahili plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ is one of the official languages of Kenya and Tanzania.
Etymology
From Arabic sawahil, "coasts," describing the peoples of the East African coastline.
Rhymes for Swahili
See all rhymes for Swahili →Frequently asked questions
What does “Swahili” mean?
The word “Swahili” means a Bantu language widely spoken across East Africa, historically shaped by contact between Bantu and Arabic-speaking traders. In plain terms, the major trade language of East Africa, or a person belonging to the coastal peoples who speak it.
How do you pronounce “Swahili”?
“Swahili” is pronounced swuh-HEE-lee (/swɑˈhili/ in IPA).
How do you use “Swahili” in a sentence?
Here is “Swahili” used in a sentence: “Swahili is one of the official languages of Kenya and Tanzania.”
What part of speech is “Swahili”?
Depending on how it is used, “Swahili” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Swahili” come from?
The word “Swahili” comes from Arabic. From Arabic sawahil, "coasts," describing the peoples of the East African coastline.
How many meanings does “Swahili” have?
“Swahili” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Bantu language widely spoken across East Africa, historically shaped by contact between Bantu and Arabic-speaking traders.
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