panga

American  

[pahng-guh] / ˈpɑŋ gə /

noun

1. a large, broad-bladed African knife used as a weapon or as an implement for cutting heavy jungle growth, sugarcane, etc.; machete.

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panga British  

/ ˈpæŋɡə /

noun

1. a broad heavy knife of E Africa, used as a tool or weapon

2. a small fishing boat first developed in Japan and now used chiefly in US and Central American waters

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Etymology

Origin of panga

Borrowed into English from Swahili around 1930–35

Example Sentences

Four people died after a panga boat capsized off the San Diego County coast early Saturday morning, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2025

Tour operators lead panga boat tours, but book early: The Mexican government limits the number of boats and passengers in the protected areas.

From Washington Post • Oct. 24, 2019

Once, I saw my male English teacher wielding a panga, or African machete.

From Time • Aug. 31, 2016

When a false killer whale speeds toward Hirsh’s panga, stops inches short and sings, is it trying to communicate?

From Seattle Times • Aug. 30, 2013

Nhamo knew she wasn’t going to hollow out the mukwa trunk with the panga.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer