bwana

[ bwah-nuh ]

noun

1. (in Africa) master; boss.

bwana

/ ˈbwɑːnə /

noun

1. (in E Africa) a master, often used as a respectful form of address corresponding to sir

Word History and Origins

Origin of bwana¹

1875–80; < Swahili < Arabic abūnā our father

Word History and Origins

Origin of bwana¹

Swahili, from Arabic abūna our father

Example Sentences

He saw them all: “House of Wax,” “Bwana Devil,” “The Maze.”

From New York Times

He saw them all: “House of Wax,” “Bwana Devil,” “The Maze.”

From New York Times

The Sounders won 2-1, former midfielder Handwalla Bwana and striker Raul Ruidiaz providing the scores.

From Seattle Times

One guide who survives, Benjamin Kikwete, and his older mentor, Muema Kambona, sound at times like Hollywood versions of themselves, using tired terms like “bwana” and saying improbable things about the landscape such as, “This could never grow tiresome.”

From Los Angeles Times

Bwana Mutunga chortled as one of the dogs faced him and bent its forelegs in an unmistakable bow while another hopped adorably in place.

From Literature