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African American Vernacular English

noun

: african american english
—abbreviation AAVE

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of African American Vernacular English was in 1991

Browse Nearby Words

African American English
African American Vernacular English
African bee
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Cite this Entry

“African American Vernacular English.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/African%20American%20Vernacular%20English. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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