name
Zaire
zeye-EER
Zaire (name) means the former name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, used from 1971 to 1997. Example: “The country was known as Zaire under President Mobutu's rule.”
name
1
The former name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, used from 1971 to 1997.
"The country was known as Zaire under President Mobutu's rule."
2
Another name for the Congo River, the major river of Central Africa.
"Cargo boats have carried goods along the Zaire for generations."
noun
1
The unit of currency used in Zaire from 1967 to 1998.
"Runaway inflation made the zaire almost worthless by the early 1990s."
How to use Zaire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe old name for both the country now called the DR Congo and its currency.
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Word forms
- Plural
- zaires
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The country was known as _____ under President Mobutu's rule.
Etymology
A shortened form of the Kongo phrase "nzadi o nzere," meaning "the river that swallows all rivers," referring to the Congo River; adopted as the country's name under Mobutu's Authenticity Movement.
Rhymes for Zaire
See all rhymes for Zaire →Frequently asked questions
What does “Zaire” mean?
The word “Zaire” means the former name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, used from 1971 to 1997. In plain terms, the old name for both the country now called the DR Congo and its currency.
How do you pronounce “Zaire”?
“Zaire” is pronounced zeye-EER (/zɑːˈɪəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Zaire” in a sentence?
Here is “Zaire” used in a sentence: “The country was known as Zaire under President Mobutu's rule.”
What part of speech is “Zaire”?
Depending on how it is used, “Zaire” can be a name and a noun.
How many meanings does “Zaire” have?
“Zaire” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the former name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, used from 1971 to 1997.
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