African

1 of 2

noun

Af·​ri·​can ˈa-fri-kən How to pronounce African (audio)
 also  ˈä-
1
: a native or inhabitant of Africa
2
: a person and especially a Black person of African ancestry

African

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent of Africa or its people
Africanness noun

Examples of African in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Its products are intended to underpin the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA’s) agenda of boosting intra-Africa trade. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 June 2025 Special recognition was given to Charles O’Neal, president of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce, and to Dr. Marie Holliday for the Sneakerball Business of the Year Award. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2025
Adjective
Recent Results and Performances Senegal most recently suffered a defeat in the final of a zonal West African cup competition, though that was with quite a rotated squad. Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Visitors can also opt to join the Greensboro African American History Walking Tour, which highlights historic sites throughout the city that are pivotal to the Black experience. Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for African

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English Aufrican, Affrican, going back to Old English Africanas (plural), borrowed from Latin Āfricānus african entry 2

Adjective

borrowed from Latin Āfricānus, from Āfrica (short for Āfrica terra, literally, "African land," from feminine of Āfricus "of the Roman province of Africa [present-day northern Tunisia], of the continent of Africa," from Āfr-, Āfer "of Africa, inhabitant of North Africa [other than Egypt]" —of unknown origin— + -icus -ic entry 1) + -ānus -an entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of African was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“African.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/African. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

African

noun
Af·​ri·​can
ˈaf-ri-kən
1
: a person born or living in Africa
2
: a person of African ancestry
African adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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