Zulu

1 of 2

noun

Zu·​lu ˈzü-(ˌ)lü How to pronounce Zulu (audio)
plural Zulu or Zulus
1
: a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Natal
2
: the Bantu language of the Zulus
Zulu adjective

Zulu

2 of 2

communications code word

used as a code word for the letter z

Examples of Zulu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Right in the heart of the Big Easy, the Zulu Tramps and One Shot Brass band led the 2024 honorees for the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) 11th Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 5 Mar. 2024 The Krewe of Baby Doll Ladies performs as the Krewe of Zulu parade makes its way down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day on February 13, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. CBS News, 13 Feb. 2024 Soul Sonic Force Tapes, Zulu Nation tapes, then The Funky Four tapes. John Morrison, SPIN, 13 Feb. 2024 In 1901, Zulu–the all-Black krewe and Social Aid and Pleasure Club, formed as a marching club in protest and mockery of existing all-white krewes. Cierra Chenier, Essence, 12 Feb. 2024 In 1979, a movie was made about Isandlwana called Zulu Dawn, and Col. Durnford was played by Burt Lancaster. David E. Petzal, Field & Stream, 31 Jan. 2024 Attorney Zulu Ali and Attorney Whitney Ali were recognized for their contributions and were listed as two of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), Law and Justice Edition. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 30 Jan. 2024 Gregory Men’s Zulu 30 Pack in Fiery Red, $120 (originally $160) Deuter Speed Lite 21 Pack, $60 (originally $80) Sherpani Women’s Cabo Convertible Pack, $52 (originally $75) Love a great deal? Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2024 The series hails from Universal Television and Disturbing Tha Peace, the label Ludacris launched in the 1990s alongside his manager Chaka Zulu (who will also exec produce). Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Zulu.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Zulu -zula (as in isiZulu the Zulu language)

First Known Use

Noun

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Communications Code Word

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Zulu was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near Zulu

Cite this Entry

“Zulu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Zulu. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Zulu

noun
Zu·​lu
ˈzü-lü
plural Zulu or Zulus
: a member of a Bantu-speaking people of South Africa
Zulu adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Zulu

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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