coolie

noun

coo·​lie ˈkü-lē How to pronounce coolie (audio)
usually offensive
: an unskilled laborer or porter usually in or from the Far East hired for low or subsistence wages

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu qulī

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coolie was in 1622

Dictionary Entries Near coolie

Coolidge Dam

coolie

coolie hat

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Coolie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coolie. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on coolie

Nglish: Translation of coolie for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coolie

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