Malay

noun

Ma·​lay mə-ˈlā  ˈmā-(ˌ)lā 

1

: a member of a people of the Malay Peninsula, eastern Sumatra, parts of Borneo, and some adjacent islands

2

: the Austronesian language of the Malays

Malay adjective

Malayan

mə-ˈlā-ən 

mā-;

ˈmā-ˌlā-

noun or adjective

Examples of Malay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Diep utilizes the Malay technique of rempah making, where tangy and herbaceous lemongrass is blended with makrut lime leaves, galangal and other aromatics, then stir-fried into a fragrant paste. —Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024

Return to your hotel for a Peranakan feast, a fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian ingredients, followed by a visit to town to sample roti, a sweet pan-fried bread. —Bon Appétit, 16 Sep. 2024

Soothing water features and a Moorish, Malay design succeed in creating a peaceful setting that blends modern opulence with an otherworldly sense of tranquility. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

In addition to speaking Cantonese, French, Malay and Mandarin, Teo has an intercontinental career. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete Dutch Malayo (now Maleier), from Malay Mĕlayu

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Malay

noun

Ma·​lay mə-ˈlā  ˈmā-ˌlā 

plural Malays

1

: a member of a people of the Malay Peninsula and neighboring islands

2

: the language of the Malay people

Malay adjective

Malayan

mə-ˈlā-ən 

ˈmā-ˌlā-

adjective or noun