Sarawak

American  

[suh-rah-wahk, -wah] / səˈrɑ wɑk, -wɑ /

noun

1. a state in the federation of Malaysia, on NW Borneo: formerly a British crown colony (1946–63) and British protectorate (1888–1946). About 50,000 sq. mi. (129,500 sq. km). Kuching.

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Sarawak British  

/ səˈrɑːwək /

noun

1. a state of Malaysia, on the NW coast of Borneo on the South China Sea: granted to Sir James Brooke by the Sultan of Brunei in 1841 as a reward for helping quell a revolt; mainly agricultural. Capital: Kuching. Pop: 2 071 506 (2000). Area: about 124 449 sq km (48 050 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Sarawak

In Malaysia, soaring pollution levels prompted the government on Friday to declare an emergency in a region of the Sarawak state in Borneo, with nearly 650 schools closed next week.

From Barron's ● Sep. 5, 2026

However, the prolonged dispute with Sarawak over petroleum and gas rights remains an overhang and could weigh on investment decisions and counterparties’ confidence.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

She founded investigative website Sarawak Report in 2010, which made her name as a journalist and environmental campaigner focused on corruption in the lucrative palm oil trade.

From BBC ● Feb. 11, 2024

Anwar cited the proximity of Nusantara to Malaysia’s Sabah and Sarawak states and federal territories on Borneo island, saying the new capital’s growth will benefit the region’s economy.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 9, 2023

The following account of the orang is given by Mr. Brooke of Sarawak.

From Natural History in Anecdote Illustrating the nature, habits, manners and customs of animals, birds, fishes, reptiles, etc., etc., etc. by Various