Congolese

American  

[kong-guh-leez, -lees] / ˌkɒŋ gəˈliz, -ˈlis /

adjective

1. of or relating to the People's Republic of the Congo or the Congo region, its inhabitants, or their languages.

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noun

Congolese plural

1. an inhabitant or native of the People's Republic of the Congo or of the Congo region.

Congolese British  

/ ˌkɒŋɡəˈliːz /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Republic of the Congo or the Democratic Republic of the Congo or their inhabitants

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of the Republic of the Congo or the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• anti-Congolese
  adjective
• pro-Congolese
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• Congolese
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Congolese

First recorded in 1895–1900; from French congolais, irregular formation; see -ese

Example Sentences

An initial case was dropped by the Congolese authorities in 2001.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

Even so, the mining sector "drives the entire Congolese economy", said Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

The Congolese players, coaches and other staff had to isolate themselves in Belgium before traveling to Houston for their opening match against Portugal on Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

"I thought Spain was going to win the match, but the energy, the speed of Cape Verde was just amazing," added a Congolese supporter who was also visiting the islands for the first time.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

Anatole wrapped me up in wax-print pagnes, hoping to disguise me as a Congolese matron while trying to keep me from staggering dazed in front of automobiles.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver