African

noun Af·ri·can \ ˈa-fri-kən also ˈä- \

Definition of African

1 :a native or inhabitant of Africa

2 :a person and especially a black person of African ancestry

See African defined for English-language learners

See African defined for kids

First Known Use of african

before 12th century

African

adjective

Definition of African

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

—

Africanness

play \-kə(n)-nəs\ noun

First Known Use of african

1548

AFRICAN Defined for English Language Learners

African

noun

Definition of African for English Language Learners

: a person born, raised, or living in Africa
: a descendant of Africans

AFRICAN Defined for Kids

African

noun Af·ri·can \ ˈa-fri-kən \

Definition of African for Students

:a person born or living in Africa

African

adjective

Definition of African for Students

:of or relating to Africa or African people

African history

African wildlife

Learn More about african

Spanish Central: Translation of African Nglish: Translation of African for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of African for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up African? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

African

Definition of African

Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd

First Known Use of african

African

Definition of African

Africanness

First Known Use of african

AFRICAN Defined for English Language Learners

African

Definition of African for English Language Learners

AFRICAN Defined for Kids

African

Definition of African for Students

African

Definition of African for Students

Learn More about african

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

Trending: McCain: Half-Baked, 'Spurious' Nationalism

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Forms of Government Quiz

Words of the Year: 1066