Lesotho

American  

[luh-soo-too, -soh-toh] / ləˈsu tu, -ˈsoʊ toʊ /

noun

1. a monarchy in southern Africa, encircled by South Africa: formerly a British protectorate; gained independence 1966; member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 11,716 sq. mi. (30,344 sq. km). Maseru.

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Lesotho British  

/ lɪˈsuːtʊ, ləˈsəʊtəʊ /

noun

1. Former name (1884–1966): Basutoland.  a kingdom in southern Africa, forming an enclave in the Republic of South Africa: annexed to British Cape Colony in 1871; made a protectorate in 1884; gained independence in 1966; a member of the Commonwealth. It is generally mountainous, with temperate grasslands throughout. Languages: Sesotho and English. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: loti and South African rand. Capital: Maseru. Pop: 1 936 181 (2013 est). Area: 30 344 sq km (11 716 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

Tracks from the Triassic and Jurassic periods are common in Lesotho and nearby regions of South Africa, including the Free State and Eastern Cape.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026

Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho announced last year they were resigning from the charity, after the trustees quit.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Cardoso started her remarkable run of dismissals by taking wickets with five consecutive deliveries, spanning the last three balls of the second over and first two of the fourth to leave Lesotho sprawling on 8-5.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

In August, ship broadcasting data shows Unity claimed the flag of Lesotho which was designated as "false".

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

I recall on one occasion meeting the queen regent of Basutoland, or what is now Lesotho, Mantsebo Moshweshwe.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela