Yoruba

noun

Yor·​u·​ba ˈyȯr-ə-bə 

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

ˈyȯr-ə-bən 

noun or adjective

Examples of Yoruba in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The piece includes sounds of water, wind, deep vibrating sine tones, electronic drones, whispers of Yoruba prayer and Buford’s own humming and singing within the electronics; the violin blends with and enhances its atmosphere. —Jane Levere, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

Oyelowo executive produces under his Yoruba Saxon banner. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025

Photographed by Ace Amir Masking culture incorporates everything from Yoruba spiritual symbols to Ghanaian Adinkra patterns, Haitian Vodou iconography, and Egyptian motifs—a material anthology of Black diasporic history. —Harriet Shepherd, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025

The presentation drew from Yoruba spirituality and the concept of Ori, and Davies intentionally crafted hair designs that honored the diaspora. —Pooja Shah, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Yoruba Yorùbá

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Yoruba

• luba
• scuba
• tuba
• yuba