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Synonyms

Afro

1 American  
[af-roh] / ˈæf roʊ /

noun

plural

Afros
  1. a hairstyle originating with Black people, in which naturally curly or frizzy hair is cut into a full, bushy shape all over the head.


adjective

  1. of or relating to African Americans or to Black traditions, culture, etc..

    Afro societies.

Afro- 2 American  
  1. a combining form of Africa.

    Afro-American; Afro-Asiatic.


Afro 1 British  
/ ˈæfrəʊ /

noun

  1. a hairstyle in which the hair is shaped into a wide frizzy bush

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Afro- 2 British  

combining form

  1. indicating Africa or African

    Afro-Asiatic

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Afro1

First recorded in 1965–70; independent use of Afro-

Origin of Afro-2

< Latin Āfr- (stem of Āfer an African) + -o-

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Where we're at now there's so much, there's Afro gospel, there's R&B, there's rap and it's touching on so many different matters."

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

US hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes performed in Accra as part of the Rhythm and Brunch concert on Saturday, while popular UK rapper Giggs is playing at the Afro Paradise festival on 31 December.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

So I've always been interested in both African foodways and Afro Caribbean foodways.

From Salon • Dec. 9, 2024

At an Afro Caribbean party known as “Carnival Tabanca,” some attendees wear modern and traditional Carnival costumes.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2024

He pushes buttons with one hand and pulls on his hair, a short Afro, with the other.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali