SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

goombay

noun
Save Word
goom·​bay | \ ˈgu̇mˌbā, ˈgüm- \
plural -s

Definition of goombay

: calypso music as developed in the Bahamas

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!

History and Etymology for goombay

of Bantu origin; akin to Kongo nkumbi ceremonial drum, Tshiluba nkumbi drum

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about goombay

Statistics for goombay

Cite this Entry

“Goombay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goombay. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on goombay

What made you want to look up goombay? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

impunity

Listen to the pronunciation of impunity

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Who Knew?

  • who knew quiz
  • What is a ruelle?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games