Zanzibar

American  

[zan-zuh-bahr, zan-zuh-bahr] / ˈzæn zəˌbɑr, ˌzæn zəˈbɑr /

noun

1. an island off the E coast of Africa: with Pemba and adjacent small islands it formerly comprised a sultanate under British protection; became independent in 1963; now part of Tanzania. 640 sq. mi. (1,658 sq. km).

2. a seaport on W Zanzibar, Tanzania.

---

Zanzibar British  

/ ˌzænzɪˈbɑː /

noun

1. an island in the Indian Ocean, off the E coast of Africa: settled by Persians and Arabs from the 7th century onwards; became a flourishing trading centre for slaves, ivory, and cloves; made a British protectorate in 1890, becoming independent within the Commonwealth in 1963 and a republic in 1964; joined with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Pop: 622 459 (2002)

---

Other Word Forms

• Zanzibari
  adjective

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Zanzibar

Ndejembi added that funeral arrangements are under way in Kizimkazi, a village on the country's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026

The partner of US influencer Ashly Robinson, who died last week while on holiday with him on the Tanzanian islands of Zanzibar, has had his passport "withheld", the local police said in a statement.

From BBC ● Apr. 14, 2026

On Zanzibar in Tanzania Mr. Butler-Gallie regards the juxtaposition of faith and profit where a church stands over a cellar that once imprisoned slaves.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 19, 2025

A superb solo goal from 20-year-old striker Langelihle Phili gave the visitors a 52nd-minute lead in the matchday two clash in Zanzibar City.

From Barron's ● Nov. 30, 2025

“Why, the Zanzibar Savannah, of course,” Von Marsh said, blinking.

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---