Kuwait

American  

[koo-weyt] / kʊˈweɪt /

noun

1. a sovereign monarchy in northeastern Arabia, on the northwest coast of the Persian Gulf: formerly a British protectorate. About 8,000 sq. mi. (20,720 sq km).

2. a seaport in and the capital of the monarchy of Kuwait.

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Kuwait British  

/ kʊˈweɪt /

noun

1. a state on the NW coast of the Persian Gulf: came under British protection in 1899 and gained independence in 1961; invaded by Iraq in 1990; liberated by US-led UN forces 1991 in the Gulf War: mainly desert. The economy is dependent on oil. Official language: Arabic. Official religion: Muslim. Currency: dinar. Capital: Kuwait. Pop: 2 695 316 (2013 est). Area: 24 280 sq km (9375 sq miles)

2. the capital of Kuwait: a port on the Persian Gulf. Pop: 1 225 000 (2005 est)

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Kuwait Cultural  

1. Independent kingdom on the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, at the head of the Persian Gulf, bordered by Iraq to the north and west and Saudi Arabia to the south.

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A major petroleum producer, Kuwait possesses about one-fifth of the world's oil reserves. It is a leading member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

In 1990, Kuwait was invaded by Iraq; in 1991, Iraqi forces were expelled by a coalition of United Nations forces led by the United States. (See also Persian Gulf War.)

Other Word Forms

• anti-Kuwait
  adjective
• pro-Kuwait
  adjective

Example Sentences

That puts it on the wrong side of the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure essentially made Kuwait landlocked.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Despite a $1 trillion sovereign-wealth fund, Kuwait faces criticism for its cautious approach and struggles to diversify its economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Last month’s S&P Global’s purchasing managers index indicated confidence in Kuwait is at its lowest level since the Covid-19 pandemic began six years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

He noted that Kuwait long talked about building a rail line to bypass the Gulf, but never did.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

“Oh Lord, yes. He was terrified. Before he went to Kuwait he sent me a letter, and I could barely read it because he had cried all over the daggone thing. Ink was everywhere.”

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds