askari

American  

[as-kuh-ree] / ˈæs kə ri /

noun

plural

askaris, askari

1. an African police officer or soldier, especially one serving a colonial administration.

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askari British  

/ asˈkaːri /

noun

1. (in East Africa) a soldier or policeman

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Etymology

Origin of askari

First recorded in 1805–10; from Swahili, from Arabic ʿaskarī “soldier,” equivalent to ʿaskar “army” (from Persian lashkar) + -ī a suffix indicating relationship or origin); see origin at lascar

Example Sentences

She said she had come to Cardiff to help Askari cope after Veisi had left him.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Adam Sharp, representing Askari, said nothing could be said that could "undo or lessen the utter devastation" caused by Veisi's death and asked that the court consider Askari's "longstanding mental illness" when determining sentence.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Basil Al Askari, co-founder of Abu Dhabi-based crypto brokerage MidChains, which is backed by Mubadala, said there were a lot of U.A.E. first-timers looking to return home with a quick deal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 14, 2025

“While orcas are common to California, we just haven’t seen them come to Southern California in a couple of years,” Askari said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2023

He remembered that the Askari had spoken of an old camping-place a little below the spot on which they stood.

From Samba A Story of the Rubber Slaves of the Congo by Strang, Herbert