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rainbow nation

British  

noun

  1. an epithet, alluding to its multiracial population, of South Africa

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of rainbow nation

C20: coined by Nelson Mandela following the end of apartheid


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

For most South Africans, the "rainbow nation" was on display at the White House, putting up a united front against Trump.

From BBC ● May 21, 2025

“It’s good to see the rainbow nation is alive and well,” one character says upon returning to her native Johannesburg in the immediate wake of apartheid.

From New York Times ● Jul. 16, 2019

Mandela once called the temple an example of the rainbow nation.

From Washington Post ● May 9, 2019

The Academy’s new, diverse membership is super-keen to show that things have changed now, hence this year’s rainbow nation of nominees.

From The Guardian ● Feb. 16, 2019

“South Africa is a rainbow nation for me,” said Semenya, who carried the flag at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 17, 2018

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