Lesotho

American  

[luh-soo-too, -soh-toh] / ləˈsu tu, -ˈsoʊ toʊ /

noun

1. a monarchy in southern Africa, encircled by South Africa: formerly a British protectorate; gained independence 1966; member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 11,716 sq. mi. (30,344 sq. km). Maseru.

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Lesotho British  

/ lɪˈsuːtʊ, ləˈsəʊtəʊ /

noun

1. Former name (1884–1966): Basutoland.  a kingdom in southern Africa, forming an enclave in the Republic of South Africa: annexed to British Cape Colony in 1871; made a protectorate in 1884; gained independence in 1966; a member of the Commonwealth. It is generally mountainous, with temperate grasslands throughout. Languages: Sesotho and English. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: loti and South African rand. Capital: Maseru. Pop: 1 936 181 (2013 est). Area: 30 344 sq km (11 716 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

Cardoso started her remarkable run of dismissals by taking wickets with five consecutive deliveries, spanning the last three balls of the second over and first two of the fourth to leave Lesotho sprawling on 8-5.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

"Lesotho must engage the US administration to reduce the tariffs to 10 percent," trade union leader Sam Mokhele said.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

Most come from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, which have a history of providing migrant labour to their wealthy neighbour.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

Returning home after a Group C win over Lesotho in South Africa last Friday, the jet carrying the Super Eagles had to make an emergency landing in Angola due to a cracked windscreen.

From Barron's • Oct. 12, 2025

I recall on one occasion meeting the queen regent of Basutoland, or what is now Lesotho, Mantsebo Moshweshwe.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela