panga

[ pahng-guh ]

noun

1. a large, broad-bladed African knife used as a weapon or as an implement for cutting heavy jungle growth, sugarcane, etc.; machete.

panga

/ ˈpæŋɡə /

noun

1. a broad heavy knife of E Africa, used as a tool or weapon
2. a small fishing boat first developed in Japan and now used chiefly in US and Central American waters

Word History and Origins

Origin of panga¹

Borrowed into English from Swahili around 1930–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of panga¹

from a native E African word. The panga boat is so called because it resembles the knife in shape

Example Sentences

Alcarez was arrested after Coast Guard gunshots disabled the panga’s engine.

From Seattle Times

Lifeguards found “lifeless bodies and two overturned pangas spread over an area of about 400 yards,” Ms. Muñoz said.

From New York Times

He didn’t know what kind of boats they were, but said pangas - small open boats with outboard engines used in smuggling operations - often come ashore there.

From Washington Times

She sprang outside, wielding a giant knife, a panga.

From Literature

My angling partner, Ken Matsumoto, stepped to the bow of the panga and peeled fly line from his reel.

From Washington Post