Nigerian

adjective

nī-ˈjir-ē-ən

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Nigeria or its people

Nigerian

nī-ˈjir-ē-ən

noun

plural Nigerians

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Nigerian was in 1876

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Nigeria

Nigerian

Nigerien

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Nigerian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Nigerian. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Entry added

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