North African

1 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of North Africa
often used specifically of the region including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the North Africans

North African

2 of 2

noun

: a native or inhabitant of North Africa
usually used specifically of the natives and inhabitants of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

North Africa, the countries of northern Africa + English -an

First Known Use

Adjective

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of North African was in 1832

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 North African

Cite this Entry

“North African.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/North%20African. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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