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

“All the Gulf countries agree that this war is unnecessary,” said Althunayyan of Kuwait University.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield rose faster after Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait, when the U.S. was far more energy-dependent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Zinovsky said his company had been approached by representatives of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, but told them to discuss this with the Ukrainian government.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

There have also been modest to minor disruptions in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 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