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

He visited the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, three of the countries hardest hit by Iran during the war, but didn’t travel to Saudi Arabia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

In the hours following the US strikes, Kuwait and Bahrain both reported that their air defence systems had been activated.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

The institute was founded by Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.

From Science Daily • Jun. 14, 2026

KKR, the Kuwait Investment Authority, Nvidia, and Vistra are founding investors behind Helix, which has more than $10 billion of committed capital.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

The prince of Kuwait attended the race and celebrated him at an honorary dinner in Naples.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers