Indonesian

noun

In·​do·​ne·​sian ˌin-də-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Indonesian (audio)
-shən
1
a
: a native or inhabitant of the Republic of Indonesia
b
: the language based on Malay that is the national language of the Republic of Indonesia
2
: a native or inhabitant of the Malay Archipelago
Indonesian adjective

Examples of Indonesian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Later on May 18, the Gaza Health Ministry said the Indonesian Hospital, one of the largest partially functioning medical facilities in north Gaza, had ceased operating because of Israeli fire near and at the vicinity. Nidal Al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 18 May 2025 Dallas native Jarred Dwayne Shaw, 34, has been banned for life from the Indonesian Basketball League and now faces a possible life sentence or even the death penalty if found guilty, according to the Associated Press, USA Today and local Fox 4 Dallas. Sean Neumann, People.com, 16 May 2025 The last time executions took place was July 2016, when an Indonesian and three foreigners were executed. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025 Kura Kura, meaning 'turtle' in Bahasa Indonesian, refers to the legend that Bali lies on top of a turtle's back. Rana Wehbe Watson, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for Indonesian

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of Indonesian was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indonesian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Indonesian. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

Indonesian

noun
In·​do·​ne·​sian ˌin-də-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Indonesian (audio)
-shən
1
: a person born or living in Indonesia
2
: the language based on Malay that is the national language of Indonesia
Indonesian adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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