: a South African of Dutch or Huguenot descent

Word History

Etymology

Dutch, literally, farmer — more at boor

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Boer was in 1776

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Cite this Entry

“Boer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Boer. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

Boer

noun
: a South African usually of Dutch descent
Etymology

Dutch, literally, "farmer"

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