Malay

noun

Ma·​lay mə-ˈlā  ˈmā-(ˌ)lā 

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

Malay adjective

Malayan

mə-ˈlā-ən 

mā-;

ˈmā-ˌlā-

noun or adjective

Examples of Malay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Smaller than the state of Rhode Island, tiny Singapore on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula is among the world’s most sophisticated countries with a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. —Elaine Glusac, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2024

The Lost World of Pre-War Malay Cinema Using the few surviving copies of the 1940s magazine Film Melayu, historian Timothy Barnard chronicles the discourse surrounding the Golden Age of Malay film. —JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024

It was listed for $35 million and represented by Brandie Malay Siavelis of @properties Christie's International Real Estate. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024

The city is also known for its street art, vibrant nightlife, and diverse population, reflected in its eclectic dining scene that blends Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete Dutch Malayo (now Maleier), from Malay Mĕlayu

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Malay

noun

Ma·​lay mə-ˈlā  ˈmā-ˌlā 

plural Malays

1

: a member of a people of the Malay Peninsula and neighboring islands

2

: the language of the Malay people

Malay adjective

Malayan

mə-ˈlā-ən 

ˈmā-ˌlā-

adjective or noun