1
: a group of African peoples speaking Khoisan languages
2
: a group of languages of southern and eastern Africa that have clicks in their consonantal inventories and that include the languages of the Khoikhoi and San
Examples of Khoisan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On the second day, guests will embark on the ultimate adventure, spending the night at a remote fly camp under the stars—a unique experience enhanced by a traditional bucket shower and stories around the campfire told by local Khoisan guides.
—
Jim Dobson, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024
But the puzzling placements of blacks, Pygmies, and Khoisan hint at past population upheavals.
—Jared Diamond, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2023
The history of South Africa is complex, but to keep it very simple: The region was home to many African societies, including the Khoisan, Xhosa, Zulu, Tswana and Ndebele.
—Gillian Brockell, Washington Post, 5 May 2023
The Dutch established a settlement in the 1600s, clashing with Khoisan and bringing enslaved people in from other parts of Africa.
—Gillian Brockell, Washington Post, 5 May 2023
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.
Jim Dobson, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024
But the puzzling placements of blacks, Pygmies, and Khoisan hint at past population upheavals.
—Jared Diamond, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2023
The history of South Africa is complex, but to keep it very simple: The region was home to many African societies, including the Khoisan, Xhosa, Zulu, Tswana and Ndebele.
—Gillian Brockell, Washington Post, 5 May 2023
The Dutch established a settlement in the 1600s, clashing with Khoisan and bringing enslaved people in from other parts of Africa.
—Gillian Brockell, Washington Post, 5 May 2023
Cite this Entry
“Khoisan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Khoisan. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share