Arabist

American  

[ar-uh-bist] / ˈær ə bɪst /

noun

1. a person who specializes in or studies the Arabic language or Arab culture.

2. a supporter of Arab interests, especially in international affairs.

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Arabist British  

/ ˈærəbɪst /

noun

1. a student or expert in Arabic culture, language, history, etc

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Etymology

Origin of Arabist

First recorded in 1745–55; Arab + -ist

Example Sentences

Elisabeth Kendall, an Arabist and Yemen specialist at the University of Cambridge, put it this way in a recent CNN interview:

From Slate • Jan. 19, 2024

Or, Robert Ames, a leading Arabist who cultivated as a source a top Palestinian intelligence officer.

From Washington Post • Sep. 18, 2017

During his career, Sir John was regarded as the Foreign Office's foremost Arabist.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2015

The only Arabist with real knowledge of the country was a holdover from the previous administration.

From Newsweek • Sep. 25, 2012

When first the Arabist in Europe landed at Alexandria he could not exchange a word with the people the same is told of Golius the lexicographer at Tunis.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 10 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir