Arabist

[ ar-uh-bist ]

/ ˈær ə bɪst /

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noun

a person who specializes in or studies the Arabic language or Arab culture.

a supporter of Arab interests, especially in international affairs.

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Origin of Arabist

First recorded in 1745–55; Arab + -ist

Words nearby Arabist

Arabic numeral, arabinose, arabinoside, arabis, Arab-Israeli conflict, Arabist, Arabize, arable, Arab League, Arab Legion, Arab Spring

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Arabist in a sentence

The only Arabist with real knowledge of the country was a holdover from the previous administration.
‘The Endgame’ Is A Well Researched, Highly Critical Look at U.S. Policy in Iraq|John Barry|September 25, 2012|DAILY BEAST
There's a consciousness of the wider Arab world in Khoury and his work, but he's not a pan-Arabist per se.
Elias Khoury: Profile of the Essential Arab Novelist Today|Jacob Silverman|August 3, 2012|DAILY BEAST
It's a memoir of growing up as the son of an itinerant Arabist foreign service officer.
The Daily Beast's Favorite Books of 2010|The Daily Beast|December 18, 2010|DAILY BEAST
British officials denied the Pashto-speaking Arabist had been asked to step down, but said he was taking an “extended leave.”
Afghan Team Splinters|Louise Roug Bokkenheuser|June 27, 2010|DAILY BEAST

I have healed as many men by bleeding, as that interloping Arabist has killed for want of it.
The Cloister and the Hearth|Charles Reade
I have healed as many men by bleeding as that interloping Arabist has killed for want of it.
The Cloister and the Hearth|Charles Reade

British Dictionary definitions for Arabist

Arabist

/ (ˈærəbɪst) /

noun

a student or expert in Arabic culture, language, history, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012