anthropol history (among Bantu peoples of southern Africa) a meeting to discuss a serious topic
informal a matter of concern or for discussion
1890–95; < Zulu indaba, izindaba (with implosive b ) matter for discussion, affair, account
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For now, the first one is to convene the indaba.
From Time Magazine Archive
Last month Buthelezi opened a historic indaba, or meeting, between whites and blacks to discuss guidelines for creating in his home state of Natal the country's first completely multiracial government.
From Time Magazine Archive
If the great indaba finally does begin, it could founder all too quickly because the fundamental aims of the two main parties are so far apart.
From Time Magazine Archive
The indaba had dropped; but now Pandulu, who had spoken but little before, seemed anxious to revive it.
From Forging the Blades A Tale of the Zulu Rebellion by Mitford, Bertram
As it was, we sat down, had an indaba and a friendly smoke, and parted on the best of terms.
From 'Tween Snow and Fire A Tale of the Last Kafir War by Mitford, Bertram
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
