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

Brazil's Laura Cardoso has become the first player ever to take nine wickets in a T20 international, recording figures of 9-4 against Lesotho.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Tiny Lesotho, which sells a large amount of textiles to the United States, was especially hard-hit, and hundreds of workers demonstrated in the capital Maseru in October over cuts sparked by US tariffs.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

Most come from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, which have a history of providing migrant labour to their wealthy neighbour.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

South Africa dropped points in home draws with Nigeria and Zimbabwe and forfeited three points for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena in a victory over Lesotho.

From Barron's • Oct. 14, 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