Nubian

noun

Nu·​bi·​an ˈnü-bē-ən How to pronounce Nubian (audio)
ˈnyü-
1
a
: a native or inhabitant of Nubia
b
: a member of one of the group of dark-skinned peoples that formed a powerful empire between Egypt and Ethiopia from the 6th to the 14th centuries
2
: any of several languages spoken in central and northern Sudan
Nubian adjective

Examples of Nubian in a Sentence

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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 West African, Kordofan and Nubian — all subspecies of the northern giraffe — have seen their population fall around 77% since 1985, according to federal officials. — Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2024 Dishes range from South African Braai; Nubian Tilapia; Ghanaian Dark Chocolate Pudding; Grilled Goat Ribs from the east; Peanut Sauce Stew from Central Africa; Beef & Cabbage Stew from the south; and Sea Bass with Celery Root Purée & Golden Mushrooms from the west. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. — Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Nubian was in the 15th century

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Nubian
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Cite this Entry

“Nubian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Nubian. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Nubian

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Nubian

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