Afghan

noun

Af·​ghan ˈaf-ˌgan How to pronounce Afghan (audio)
 also  -gən
1
a(1)
(2)
: pashto
b
: a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan
2
not capitalized : a blanket or shawl of colored yarn knitted or crocheted in strips or squares
3
not capitalized : a Turkoman carpet of large size and long pile woven in geometric designs
4
Afghan adjective
or Afghani
af-ˈga-nē How to pronounce Afghan (audio)
-ˈgä-

Examples of Afghan 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.
There are exceptions to the ban, including for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders, and people qualifying for a national interest waiver. Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025 Another Afghan, Khalid Khan, said the new restrictions could expose him and thousands of others to arrest in Pakistan. Munir Ahmed, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 One of Donald Trump's latest immigration moves could be sending Afghan Christians to die at the hands of the Taliban, an anti-Christian persecution group has warned. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 Candidates include Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees. Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for Afghan

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Persian afghān "Pashtun"

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of Afghan was in 1742

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Afghan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Afghan. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

Afghan

noun
Af·​ghan ˈaf-ˌgan How to pronounce Afghan (audio)
1
: a person born or living in Afghanistan
2
not capitalized : a blanket or shawl made of knitted or crocheted colored wool
Afghan adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Afghan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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