kumbaya

American  

[koom-bahy-yah, koom-] / ˌkʊm baɪˈyɑ, ˌkum- /

noun

1. (often used ironically) a belief in peace, harmony, goodwill, or naive idealism.

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adjective

1. (often used ironically) characterized by or expressing a belief in peace, harmony, goodwill, or naive idealism.

interjection

1. (used to express or suggest peace, harmony, goodwill, or naive idealism, often ironically.)

Example Sentences

I just want to have a kumbaya with everybody right now because there’s so much sadness with this disease.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

These episodes don’t necessarily end with participants finding common ground in a kumbaya moment.

From Salon • Oct. 22, 2025

"We're nowhere near the kind of kumbaya moment that was projected."

From Barron's • Oct. 14, 2025

“This is not all kumbaya but it’s straightforward,” Mr. Biden said.

From Washington Times • Nov. 16, 2023

Not part of the kumbaya circles that Bit pretended to be too tough for.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds