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.

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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)

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Other Word Forms

• Zanzibari
  adjective

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Zanzibar

The previous humpback travel record was held by a whale that swam more than 13,000 km from Colombia's Pacific coast to Zanzibar off eastern Africa.

From Barron's ● May 20, 2026

Offering its condolences, the state department in Washington confirmed the death of an American in Zanzibar adding that the administration "has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans".

From BBC ● Apr. 14, 2026

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

Local activists identified the men as members of the intelligence unit, largely drawn from Zanzibar, Hassan’s home region, and working under the orders of the president’s son.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2025

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

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older