Zulu

American  

[zoo-loo] / ˈzu lu /

noun

Zulus plural

1. a member of a Nguni people living mainly in Natal, Republic of South Africa.

2. the Bantu language of the Zulu.

3. a word used in communications to represent the letter Z.

---

adjective

1. of or relating to the Zulus or their language.

Zulu British  

/ -luː, ˈzuːlʊ /

noun

1. a member of a tall Negroid people of SE Africa, living chiefly in South Africa, who became dominant during the 19th century due to a warrior-clan system organized by the powerful leader, Shaka

2. the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family, closely related to Swazi and Xhosa

3. communications a code word for the letter z

---

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• Zulu
  plural
• Zulus
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Zulu

from Zulu amaZulu people of the sky

Example Sentences

Interviewed on a Zambian YouTube news channel on Wednesday evening, Lungu family spokesman Makebi Zulu disputed that the appeals process had lapsed saying that the correct procedure had been followed.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Zulu Nation distanced itself from its founder as the allegations went public but has since remained committed to its mission of hip-hop unity.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

As a teen, he became a member of the Black Spades gang, parlaying his leadership abilities to form the Universal Zulu Nation, that sought to channel youth culture away from violence and towards creativity.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

He returned home, his new name a nod to a Zulu chief, with a new rhythm to his work.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Chief Buthelezi was descended from the great Zulu king Cetywayo, who had defeated the British at the Battle of Isandhlwana in 1879.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela