Sarawak

American  

[suh-rah-wahk, -wah] / səˈrɑ wɑk, -wɑ /

noun

1. a state in the federation of Malaysia, on NW Borneo: formerly a British crown colony (1946–63) and British protectorate (1888–1946). About 50,000 sq. mi. (129,500 sq. km). Kuching.

---

Sarawak British  

/ səˈrɑːwək /

noun

1. a state of Malaysia, on the NW coast of Borneo on the South China Sea: granted to Sir James Brooke by the Sultan of Brunei in 1841 as a reward for helping quell a revolt; mainly agricultural. Capital: Kuching. Pop: 2 071 506 (2000). Area: about 124 449 sq km (48 050 sq miles)

---

Example Sentences

The Sarawak Report news portal first blew the whistle, followed by The Wall Street Journal in 2015, which published documents showing Najib received at least $681 million in payments to his personal accounts.

From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025

Ongoing disputes over gas aggregation and control with Sarawak could erode Petronas’ long-term position, prompting the company to diversify aggressively, it says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

They promised to improve development in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo island.

From Reuters • Dec. 16, 2022

To cobble a majority, he won support from two key rival blocs: the long-ruling National Front, which has 30 seats, and the Sarawak Parties Alliance with 23.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2022

On the rise of Singapore direct trade had been established with Sarawak and Brunei, and it became a matter of moment to British merchants that this traffic should be safe.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 3 "Borgia, Lucrezia" to "Bradford, John" by Various