indaba

[ in-dah-bah ]

noun

1. a conference or consultation between or with native peoples of South Africa.

Indaba

/ ɪnˈdɑːbə /

noun

1. anthropol history (among Bantu peoples of southern Africa) a meeting to discuss a serious topic
2. informal.
   a matter of concern or for discussion

Word History and Origins

Origin of indaba¹

1890–95; < Zulu indaba, izindaba (with implosive b ) matter for discussion, affair, account

Word History and Origins

Origin of indaba¹

C19: from Zulu: topic

Example Sentences

The indaba had dropped; but now Pandulu, who had spoken but little before, seemed anxious to revive it.

From Project Gutenberg

The indaba began upon small matters, a recent dispute or two as to the ownership of cattle, or of land commonage, and so forth.

From Project Gutenberg

The ears of the outside attendants were by no means deaf, however, and now they came crowding up around the scene of the indaba.

From Project Gutenberg

They sit in a consultative gathering known as an indaba, and discuss the civil and military affairs of their tribe.

From Project Gutenberg

After that the "indaba" or talk began, which I do not propose to set out at length, for it is a matter of history.

From Project Gutenberg