Afghan

[ af-gan, -guhn ]

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan.
2. afghan, a soft woolen blanket, crocheted or knitted, usually in a geometric pattern.
3. Also called Afghan hound. one of a breed of swift hunting hounds having a long, narrow head and a long, silky coat.
4. Literary. Pashto.

adjective

1. of Afghanistan or its people or language.

afghan

¹

/ -ɡən; ˈæfɡæn /

noun

1. a knitted or crocheted wool blanket or shawl, esp one with a geometric pattern
2. a sheepskin coat, often embroidered and having long fur trimming around the edges

Afghan

²

/ -ɡən; æfˈɡænɪ; ˈæfɡæn; -ˈɡɑː- /

noun

1. a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Afghanistan
2. another name for Pashto
3. history an Indian camel driver employed in the outback of Australia

adjective

1. denoting or relating to Afghanistan, its people, or their language

Usage Note

See afghani.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Afghan¹

First recorded in 1740–50; from Persian afghān “inhabitant of the Hindu Kush; a Pathan“

Word History and Origins

Origin of Afghan¹

from Afghanistan

Example Sentences

Many are Afghan and a number are Turkish and Syrian.

From BBC

Earlier this month, US authorities had arrested an Afghan national in connection with an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate incoming president Trump before he was elected.

From BBC

But the rules have been defended by the Taliban, which claims they're accepted in Afghan society and that the international community should respect "Islamic laws, traditions and the values of Muslim societies".

From BBC

“I was in severe pain,” the former Afghan army officer told the BBC.

From BBC

The two Army officers that Trump pardoned included one accused of killing a suspected Afghan bombmaker and another who was convicted of murder for directing men to fire upon three Afghans.

From BBC