Ababda

noun

Abab·​da

ə-ˈbab-də

variants or Ababdeh

ə-ˈbab-de

plural Ababda or Ababdas or Ababdeh or Ababdehs

1

: an Arabic-speaking mostly nomadic Beja people of Upper Egypt

2

: a member of the Ababda people

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Arabic ʽAbābda (singular ʽabbādī)

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now