Afghan

American  

[af-gan, -guhn] / ˈæf gæn, -gən /

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.

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adjective

1. of Afghanistan or its people or language.

Afghan ¹ British  

/ -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

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adjective

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

afghan ² British  

/ -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

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Usage

See afghani.

Etymology

Origin of Afghan

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

Example Sentences

The attack by Afghan national Ahmad Mulakhil last summer led to protests in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The Afghan authorities called that "regrettable" and pointed to talks between the two sides and previous releases with mediators from Qatar.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

The family of the last Afghan held at the US high-security prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba meanwhile renewed their call for his release.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

In Kolding, 42-year-old Afghan Wahida Abdul Mutaleb admitted she's struggling to make ends meet.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

The only thing that flowed more than tea in those aisles was Afghan gossip.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini