Dahomey

[duh-hoh-mee, da-aw-mey]

noun

1. former name of Benin.

2. Also called the Kingdom of Dahomey. a former kingdom in what is now southern Benin that existed from around 1600 to 1900.

Dahomey

/ dəˈhəʊmɪ /

noun

1. the former name (until 1975) of Benin

Other Word Forms

• Dahomean adjective
• Dahoman adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dahomey¹

First recorded in 1780–90; from Fon dã homè; literally, “belly of Da, snake's belly”

Example Sentences

‘Dahomey’ and ‘Sugarcane,’ two acclaimed documentaries vying for Oscar recognition, tackle the legacies of colonialism.

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Here’s a closer look at “Dahomey” and “Sugarcane.”

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The voice emanates from the artifact labeled “26,” a statue of Dahomey’s King Ghézo.

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The top prize at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival was given to “Dahomey,” a documentary by the French filmmaker Mati Diop about 26 looted artworks that were returned to Benin from France in 2021.

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The deal followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision in 2021 to sign over 26 pieces known as the Abomey Treasures, priceless artworks of the 19th century Dahomey kingdom in present-day Benin.

Read more on Seattle Times