Search Dictionary
Definition of douala

douala

/duːˈɑː.lə/
Dou · a · la

Plural:Doualas
JUMP TO:

douala Lexical Profile

• noun

1

The largest city and economic capital of Cameroon, located on the Atlantic coast along the Wouri River.


2

A member of a Bantu ethnic group historically native to the coastal region of Cameroon.

Example

"During the colonial era, the Douala played a significant role as intermediary merchants trading with European merchants along the West African coast."


3

The Bantu language spoken by the Douala people of Cameroon.

Example

"Linguists studying coastal Bantu dialects frequently document the syntax and vocabulary of Douala."

Word Nuance & Usage

In English literature, the spelling 'Douala' is typically used for the city, while 'Duala' is often preferred by anthropologists and linguists when referring to the ethnic group or their language.

• Rhymes for douala

Word Origin & Etymology

Named after the Duala (or Douala) people, a Bantu ethnic group who historically settled the coastal region of present-day Cameroon.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Douala. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/douala
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.