Acehnese

American  

[ah-chuh-neez, -nees, ach-uh-] / ˌɑ tʃəˈniz, -ˈnis, ˌætʃ ə- /

Sometimes Atjehnese also Achinese

adjective

1. of or relating to a traditionally Muslim Indigenous people of northernmost Sumatra or their language.

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noun

1. a member of a traditionally Muslim Indigenous people of northernmost Sumatra.

2. the Austronesian language spoken by the Acehnese.

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• Acehnese
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Acehnese

First recorded in 1690–1700 as Achinese; from Achin, variant of Aceh, from Indonesian, Malay Aceh, the former name of a sultanate + -ese

Example Sentences

"This is our fate as Acehnese," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

The thirteenth century marks a time of considerable Islamic expansion into Southeast Asia; the Acehnese peoples on the northern tip of Sumatra were the first to embrace the religion.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

Usman Hamid, executive director for Amnesty International's Indonesia chapter, said the government had reacted late but appreciated that authorities had listened to Acehnese fishermen and accepted the refugees.

From Reuters • Dec. 31, 2021

The city itself is leafy and slow-paced, while Acehnese people are proud, hospitable and keen to make up for years of isolation.

From Time • Mar. 25, 2010

“She has such a commitment to the Acehnese people, and I know she feels that the work in Aceh is far from finished.”

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2010