Hima

noun

Hi·​ma
ˈhēmə
variants or less commonly Huma
ˈhümə
plural Hima or Himas also Huma or Humas
1
: a Bantu-speaking pastoral people who constituted the ruling segment of the population of the ancient Uganda kingdoms of Nyankole, Nyoro, and Toro and an inferior class among the Ganda people, are found also in Rwanda and on the western shore of Lake Albert in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and are supposed to be cognate in origin with the Tusi and perhaps the Galla and Somali
2
: a member of the Hima people

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

Dictionary Entries Near Hima

Cite this Entry

“Hima.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hima. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!