Somali

[ soh-mah-lee, suh- ]

noun

, plural So·ma·lis, (especially collectively) So·ma·li

1. a member of a people speaking a Cushitic language and living primarily in Somalia, Somaliland, and adjacent regions.
2. the Cushitic language of the Somali ethnic group.

adjective

1. of or relating to Somalia, its people, or their language.
2. of or relating to the Somali ethnic group or their language.

Somali

/ səʊˈmɑːlɪ /

noun

1. -lis-li a member of a tall dark-skinned people inhabiting Somalia
2. the language of this people, belonging to the Cushitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Somalia, the Somalis, or their language

Word History and Origins

Origin of Somali¹

First recorded in 1800–10 as Samaulies (plural); from Somali Soomaali, a self-designation

Example Sentences

Clan identity is deeply ingrained in Somali society and politics, but it can be a sensitive topic.

From BBC

The group photo from the event - held earlier this week - has provoked further ridicule from Somalis online, with many saying the government does not take women’s issues seriously.

From BBC

Once the alcohol is loaded, it is moved across the plains of the Somali region, and then smuggled across the border into Somalia.

From BBC

This was Sisi’s first visit to Asmara, while the Somali president had already been three times this year.

From BBC

In June, at least 56 Somali and Ethiopian migrants died and 140 others were reported missing after a boat from Somalia capsized in the Gulf of Aden, off Yemen’s south coast.

From BBC