somali
somali Lexical Profile
• adjective
Relating to Somalia, a country located on the Horn of Africa, its people, or their language.
"We enjoyed a traditional Somali meal that featured fragrant spiced rice and tender goat meat."
• noun
A native or inhabitant of Somalia, or a person of Somali descent.
"The neighborhood hosts a large, vibrant community of Somalis who have established successful local businesses."
An Afroasiatic language belonging to the Cushitic branch, spoken predominantly by people in Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
"The professor specializes in the syntax of East African languages, particularly Somali and Oromo."
A breed of domestic cat that resembles a long-haired Abyssinian, noted for its bushy, fox-like tail and ticked coat.
"She adopted a Somali from the animal rescue, instantly falling in love with its playful demeanor and striking ruddy fur."
• Rhymes for somali
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Somali endonym 'Soomaali'. Its exact origins are debated; it is traditionally linked to a legendary ancestor named Samaale, while some linguistic theories suggest it derives from the phrase 'soo maal' (go and milk), reflecting the pastoralist heritage of the people.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.