Fulani

noun

Fu·​la·​ni ˈfü-ˌlä-nē How to pronounce Fulani (audio) fü-ˈlä- How to pronounce Fulani (audio)
plural Fulani or Fulanis
1
: fula sense 1
especially : the Fula of northern Nigeria and adjacent areas
2

Examples of Fulani in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The restaurant honors the Fulani practice of communal meals: guests sit outside in makeshift restaurants set on rooftops, under shady trees, or on sprawling lawns, listening to storytelling and musical recitals. Alicia Erickson, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2023 The border regions of both countries share a similar ethnic makeup: Hausa, Fulani and other groups. Ismail Alfa, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2023 Herding cultures like the Fulani (and their descendants) were in demand in states with livestock ranching. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2023 The Fulani had to use other alphabets, which meant that the meaning and nuances of the words in their native tongue began to disappear, along with some traditions, stories, and songs, due to illiteracy. Melissa Noel, Essence, 18 July 2023 The Igbos, who are mainly Christians, say they are marginalized by Nigeria's federal government, especially when mainly Muslim Fulani candidates are elected. Sam Olukoya, Star Tribune, 30 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Fulani.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Fulani was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near Fulani

Cite this Entry

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

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