Malay

noun

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 How to pronounce Malay (audio)
mā-;
ˈmā-ˌlā-
noun or adjective

Examples of Malay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Diep utilizes the Malay technique of rempah making, where tangy and herbaceous lemongrass is blended with makrut lime leaves, galangal and other aromatics, then stir-fried into a fragrant paste. Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024 Return to your hotel for a Peranakan feast, a fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian ingredients, followed by a visit to town to sample roti, a sweet pan-fried bread. Bon Appétit, 16 Sep. 2024 Soothing water features and a Moorish, Malay design succeed in creating a peaceful setting that blends modern opulence with an otherworldly sense of tranquility. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 In addition to speaking Cantonese, French, Malay and Mandarin, Teo has an intercontinental career. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for Malay 

Word History

Etymology

obsolete Dutch Malayo (now Maleier), from Malay Mĕlayu

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Malay was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near Malay

Cite this Entry

“Malay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Malay. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

Malay

noun
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 How to pronounce Malay (audio)
ˈmā-ˌlā-
adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on Malay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!