umfaan

noun

um·​faan
ˈəmˌfän
plural -s
: a boy employed in southern Africa to care for small children or perform general work

Word History

Etymology

Afrikaans, from Zulu umfana boy, diminutive of umfo man, person

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Dictionary Entries Near umfaan

Cite this Entry

“Umfaan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/umfaan. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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