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coolie

noun
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coo·​lie | \ ˈkü-lē How to pronounce coolie (audio) \

Definition of coolie

usually offensive
: an unskilled laborer or porter usually in or from the Far East hired for low or subsistence wages

First Known Use of coolie

1622, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for coolie

Hindi & Urdu qulī

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Dictionary Entries Near coolie

Coolidge Dam

coolie

coolie hat

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Cite this Entry

“Coolie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coolie. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

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More from Merriam-Webster on coolie

Nglish: Translation of coolie for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coolie

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