Amharic

American  

[am-har-ik, ahm-hahr-] / æmˈhær ɪk, ɑmˈhɑr- /

noun

1. the Semitic language that is the official language of Ethiopia.

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adjective

1. of or relating to this language or its speakers.

Amharic British  

/ æmˈhærɪk /

noun

1. the official language of Ethiopia, belonging to the SE Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family

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adjective

1. denoting or relating to this language

Etymology

Origin of Amharic

First recorded in 1590–1600; Amhar(a) + -ic

Example Sentences

She told us about this Amharic word tizita, that speaks to nostalgia, memory and longing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

BBC Amharic has contacted the Ethiopian foreign ministry to confirm the authenticity of the letter, but it has not yet responded.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2025

Translation services will be available at the sessions in American Sign Language, Amharic, Cantonese, Spanish and Vietnamese, according to the district.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

It was "shaytan," which means the devil in my parent's mother tongue, Amharic.

From Salon • Oct. 14, 2023

Shortly after Abu Anga's departure, the Khalifa received a small note in Amharic, written on parchment, from King John.

From Ten Years' Captivity in the Mahdi's Camp 1882-1892 by Wingate, F. R.