Sabah

American

[sah-bah] / ˈsɑ bɑ /

noun

a state in Malaysia, on the northern tip of Borneo: formerly a British crown colony. 29,347 sq. mi. (76,008 sq. km). Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah British

/ ˈsɑːbɑː /

noun

Former name (until 1963): North Borneo. a state of Malaysia, occupying N Borneo and offshore islands in the South China and Sulu Seas: became a British protectorate in 1888; gained independence and joined Malaysia in 1963. Capital: Kota Kinabalu. Pop: 2 603 485 (2000). Area: 73 620 sq km (28 425 sq miles)

"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

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.

Urea sales should also recover following Sabah plant’s turnaround, though weaker polyethylene prices and new capacity additions in China will continue to pressure the olefins and derivatives division, keeping 2026 outlook challenging, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Some in the sector went on to find other forms of income, including actor Serene Sabah who decided to open an ice cream parlour.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2025

“You don’t see anyone with joy in their eyes,” said Sabah al-Hendi, who was shopping for food on Sunday in the southernmost city of Rafah.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2024

The sheikh had led the oil-rich nation for the last three years after taking over from his half brother, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2023

Much about the same time Malek Shah sent troops against Hussein Kaini, who was actively engaged in the cause of Hassan Sabah in Kuhistan.

From Secret Societies of the Middle Ages by Keightley, Thomas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023