favela

American  

[fuh-vel-uh, fah-ve-lah] / fəˈvɛl ə, fɑˈvɛ lɑ /

noun

1. a shantytown in or near a city, especially in Brazil; slum area.

---

favela British  

/ fɑːˈveɪlə /

noun

1. (in Brazil) a shanty or shantytown

---

Etymology

Origin of favela

1945–50; < Brazilian Portuguese: alleged to be a name given to a hill in the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro, where such towns were built circa 1900; literally, a shrub of the family Euphorbiaceae, derivative of Portuguese fava bean < Latin faba

Example Sentences

"How many Mozarts or Beethovens are there in the favelas of Rio, just waiting for a chance to develop, waiting for the opportunity to pursue their dreams?" he asked attendees.

From Barron's

The Human Rights Commission of the Rio state legislature will demand "explanations" of how the favela was turned into a "theater of war and barbarism," commission head Dani Monteiro told AFP on Tuesday.

From Barron's

Unlike some of Brazil's sporting superstars, Fonseca's story is not one of humble beginnings in the Rio favelas.

From BBC

Cain travelled to different favelas, including to one where documentary crews had never been allowed to film.

From BBC

Mr Cain said the Brazilian favelas were the scariest place he visited but added: "It was also the most fantastic and phenomenal place, I dreamed of going there since I was a kid".

From BBC