indaba

American  

[in-dah-bah] / ɪnˈdɑ bɑ /

noun

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

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Indaba British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of indaba

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

Example Sentences

If the great indaba finally does begin, it could founder all too quickly because the fundamental aims of the two main parties are so far apart.

From Time Magazine Archive

Last month Buthelezi opened a historic indaba, or meeting, between whites and blacks to discuss guidelines for creating in his home state of Natal the country's first completely multiracial government.

From Time Magazine Archive

For now, the first one is to convene the indaba.

From Time Magazine Archive

The party of new-comers were stacking their arms at the "indaba" house at the end of the square, and the village people were talking, laughing, and eating.

From In Search of the Okapi A Story of Adventure in Central Africa by Glanville, Ernest

But the Great Great One seemed in no mood for further indaba.

From The White Shield by Mitford, Bertram