Kinshasa

American  

[kin-shah-suh, kin-shah-suh] / kɪnˈʃɑ sə, ˈkɪn ʃɑ sə /

noun

1. a port in and capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the northwestern part, on the Congo (Zaire) River.

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Kinshasa British  

/ -ˈʃɑːsə, kɪnˈʃɑːzə /

noun

1. Former name (until 1966): Léopoldville.  the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaïre), on the River Congo opposite Brazzaville: became capital of the Belgian Congo in 1929 and of Zaïre in 1960; university (1954). Pop: 5 717 000 (2005 est)

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Example Sentences

Since their arrival in Kinshasa, a megacity of more than 17 million people, the 15 South American migrants have been whiling away their time in a complex near the airport.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Most Kinshasa residents have no reliable access either to running water or electricity.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The government in Kinshasa has stressed that their stay in the country is only temporary and that Washington is funding "their reception, support and care".

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Videos of elated football fans celebrating in the capital, Kinshasa, have been circulating on social media.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Then Sister E. R., the nun who had traveled with Sister M. E. during the drive to Bumba and the plane flight to Kinshasa, broke with I’epidemie.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston