New Guinean

adjective

New Guin·ean ˈgi-nē-ən

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the island New Guinea and especially the country of Papua New Guinea

New Guinean noun

plural New Guineans

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of New Guinean was in 1850

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“New Guinean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/New%20Guinean. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Entry added

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

New Guinean

adjective

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

mea culpa

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Games & Quizzes