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Malay

noun
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Ma·​lay | \ mə-ˈlā How to pronounce Malay (audio) , ˈmā-(ˌ)lā How to pronounce Malay (audio) \

Definition of Malay

1 : a member of a people of the Malay Peninsula, eastern Sumatra, parts of Borneo, and some adjacent islands
2 : the Austronesian language of the Malays

Other Words from Malay

Malay adjective
Malayan \ mə-​ˈlā-​ən How to pronounce Malay (audio) , mā-​ ; ˈmā-​ˌlā-​ \ noun or adjective

First Known Use of Malay

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for Malay

obsolete Dutch Malayo (now Maleier), from Malay Mĕlayu

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Cite this Entry

“Malay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Malay. Accessed 20 Jun. 2021.

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