Somali

noun

So·​ma·​li sō-ˈmä-lē How to pronounce Somali (audio)
sə-
plural Somali or Somalis
1
: a member of a people of Somaliland
2
: the Cushitic language of the Somali
Somali adjective

Examples of Somali 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 Somali Army, under the dictator Siad Barre, carried out widespread massacres. — Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 Stuck mostly with the other girl in her class who spoke Somali. — Courtney Crowder, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from or akin to Somali Soomaali

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Somali was in 1814

Rhymes for Somali

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Browse Nearby Words

somal
Somali
Somalia
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Cite this Entry

“Somali.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Somali. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Somali

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Somali

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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