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Definition of cebu

cebu

/seɪˈbuː/
Ce · bu
Adjective:Cebuano
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cebu Lexical Profile

• noun

1

An island province located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, consisting of a long, narrow main island and over 150 smaller surrounding islands and islets.

Example

"Many tourists travel to Cebu to experience its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant marine life."

2

A major port city in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, serving as the capital of its namesake province and a significant hub for commerce, education, and industry.

Word Nuance & Usage

The term 'Cebu' can refer either to the entire island province in the Philippines or specifically to its capital, Cebu City.

• Rhymes for cebu

• Nearby Words

ceasefire
ceaseless
ceaselessly
cebu
cecile
cecilia
cedar

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old Cebuano word 'Sugbo', which is believed to stem from 'sibu' or 'sibo', meaning 'to trade' or 'a place for trading', reflecting its historical role as a commercial hub.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cebu. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 10, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cebu
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