ayllu

noun

ayl·​lu
ˈī(ˌ)lü
plural -s
1
: a sib or clan that constituted the basic socioeconomic unit of Inca society
2
: a present-day Peruvian highland community of extended families that owns some land in common and that serves as an administrative unit

Word History

Etymology

Quechua áyllu

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near ayllu

Cite this Entry

“Ayllu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ayllu. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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