Afghan

American  

[af-gan, -guhn] / ˈæf gæn, -gən /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan.

2. afghan, a soft woolen blanket, crocheted or knitted, usually in a geometric pattern.

3. Also called Afghan hound.  one of a breed of swift hunting hounds having a long, narrow head and a long, silky coat.

4. Literary. Pashto.

---

adjective

1. of Afghanistan or its people or language.

Afghan ¹ British  

/ -ɡən, æfˈɡænɪ, ˈæfɡæn, -ˈɡɑː- /

noun

1. a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Afghanistan

2. another name for Pashto

3. history an Indian camel driver employed in the outback of Australia

---

adjective

1. denoting or relating to Afghanistan, its people, or their language

afghan ² British  

/ -ɡən, ˈæfɡæn /

noun

1. a knitted or crocheted wool blanket or shawl, esp one with a geometric pattern

2. a sheepskin coat, often embroidered and having long fur trimming around the edges

---

Usage

See afghani.

Etymology

Origin of Afghan

First recorded in 1740–50; from Persian afghān “inhabitant of the Hindu Kush; a Pathan“

Example Sentences

Alavi is one of more than five million people who returned to the country since 2023 from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan, which have been pushing back Afghans after decades hosting them.

From Barron's

On Thursday the festival opened with a rare offering from Afghan cinema: "No Good Men", the third feature-length film from director Shahrbanoo Sadat.

From Barron's

The Taliban said the pair had broken Afghan laws and were released after judicial proceedings - but has never disclosed the reason for their detention.

From BBC

The Afghan document, which is in the Epstein files, was compiled by UK government officials specifically for the then Duke of York.

From BBC

The Afghan Taliban government described Asif's comments as "regrettable", saying he alleged its involvement "without presenting any credible evidence".

From BBC