Arab
[ ar-uhb ]
/ ˈær əb /
noun
adjective
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Origin of Arab
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin Arab-, stem of Arabs, from Greek Árab-, stem of Áraps “Arabian, an Arabian, Arab,” from Arabic ʿArab, a self-designation
usage note for Arab
The meanings “street peddler” and “vagabond” (in this second sense, also called a street arab ) are sometimes perceived as insulting because of their reference to the historically nomadic peoples of Arabia. The meaning “vagabond” has fallen into disuse. However, street vendors in Baltimore, Maryland, are called Arabs; in fact, it is a self-referential term—that is, one used by the vendors themselves.
pronunciation note for Arab
The pronunciation of Arab as [ey-rab], /ˈeɪˌræb/, with an initial [ey] /eɪ/ sound and secondary stress on the second syllable, is sometimes used facetiously or disparagingly. It is especially common in the street-peddler and street-arab senses and is usually considered offensive in any sense.
OTHER WORDS FROM Arab
anti-Arab, adjective, nounnon-Arab, noun, adjectivepro-Arab, adjectiveDefinition for Arab (2 of 2)
Arab.
Arabia.
Arabian.
Arabic.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for Arab
Arab
noun
a member of a Semitic people originally inhabiting Arabia, who spread throughout the Middle East, N Africa, and Spain during the seventh and eighth centuries ad
a lively intelligent breed of horse, mainly used for riding
(modifier) of or relating to the Arabsthe Arab nations
Word Origin for Arab
C14: from Latin Arabs, from Greek Araps, from Arabic `Arab
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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