naira

noun

nai·​ra ˈnī-rə How to pronounce naira (audio)
plural nairas or naira
the basic monetary unit of Nigeria see Money Table

Examples of naira 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.
The government has twice devalued the naira in the past year, trying to enable it to float more freely and attract foreign investment. Ismail Auwal Taiwo Aina, New York Times, 11 June 2024 Accessing legal representation can rise to 700,000 naira (about $500), or almost two years’ earnings for a minimum-wage worker. Ogar Monday, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2024 The gunmen had last week demanded a ransom of 1 billion naira ($620,000) and threatened to kill all of the students if their demands were not met, a member of the local community said. Sophie Jeong, CNN, 24 Mar. 2024 By Nimi Princewill | CNN Gunmen who kidnapped at least 287 school children in Nigeria last Thursday have demanded a ransom of 1 billion naira ($621,848) and threatened to kill all of the students if their demands are not met, a member of the local community told CNN on Wednesday. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for naira

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Nigeria

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of naira was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Naira.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naira. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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