Yoruba

noun

Yor·​u·​ba ˈyȯr-ə-bə How to pronounce Yoruba (audio)
plural Yoruba or Yorubas
: a Niger-Congo language of southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo
also : a member of any of the Yoruba-speaking peoples of this region
Yoruban noun or adjective

Examples of Yoruba in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And of course, the Yoruba people in Ifá speak about our heavenly mates. Allison Noelle Conner, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 This Afro-Brazilian ingenuity in preserving heritage within colonial constraints is most exemplified by Candomblé, a religion born from Yoruba spirituality. Essence, 10 Oct. 2024 The film, which stars rapper Princess Nokia, draws inspiration from the Yoruba faith, an African religion practiced in Latin America. Edward Rueda, NBC News, 29 Sep. 2024 The Yoruba craft of indigo dyeing was deftly invigorated in denim car coats and a cozy jersey hoodie, while a flirtiness was flecked through the collection by way of halter-neck waistcoats with open backs and flippy miniskirts with lace trim. Mahoro Seward, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Yoruba 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Yoruba.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Yoruba Yorùbá

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Yoruba was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near Yoruba

Cite this Entry

“Yoruba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Yoruba. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Yoruba

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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