Bambara

noun

Bam·​ba·​ra bam-ˈbär-ə How to pronounce Bambara (audio)
plural Bambara or Bambaras
1
: a member of an African people of the upper Niger
2
: a Mande language of the Bambara people

Word History

Etymology

Arabic bambāra, probably ultimately from Bambara bamana, a self-designation

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Bambara was in 1764

Dictionary Entries Near Bambara

Cite this Entry

“Bambara.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bambara. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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