African

noun

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Af·ri·can | \ ˈa-fri-kən

also ˈä- \

Definition of African

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a native or inhabitant of Africa

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

African

adjective

Definition of African (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from African Phrases Containing African Learn More About African

History and Etymology for African

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