Arab

[ ar-uhb ]

noun
  1. a member of a Semitic people inhabiting Arabia and other countries of the Middle East.

  2. a member of any Arabic-speaking people.

  1. Also called A·rab·ber [ey-rab-er] /ˈeɪˌræb ər/ .Sometimes Offensive. a street peddler.

  2. Archaic: Sometimes Offensive. street arab.

adjective
  1. of or relating to Arabs.

Origin of Arab

1
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin Arab-, stem of Arabs, from Greek Árab-, stem of Áraps “Arabian, an Arabian, Arab,” from Arabic ʿArab, a self-designation

usage note For Arab

The meanings “street peddler” and “vagabond” (in this second sense, also called a street arab ) are sometimes perceived as insulting because of their reference to the historically nomadic peoples of Arabia. The meaning “vagabond” has fallen into disuse. However, street vendors in Baltimore, Maryland, are called Arabs; in fact, it is a self-referential term—that is, one used by the vendors themselves.

pronunciation note For Arab

The pronunciation of Arab as [ey-rab], /ˈeɪˌræb/, with an initial [ey] /eɪ/ sound and secondary stress on the second syllable, is sometimes used facetiously or disparagingly. It is especially common in the street-peddler and street-arab senses and is usually considered offensive in any sense.

Other words from Arab

  • anti-Arab, adjective, noun
  • non-Arab, noun, adjective
  • pro-Arab, adjective

Words Nearby Arab

Other definitions for Arab. (2 of 2)

Arab.

abbreviation
  1. Arabia.

  2. Arabian.

  1. Arabic.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use Arab in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for Arab

Arab

noun
  1. a member of a Semitic people originally inhabiting Arabia, who spread throughout the Middle East, N Africa, and Spain during the seventh and eighth centuries ad

  2. a lively intelligent breed of horse, mainly used for riding

  1. (modifier) of or relating to the Arabs: the Arab nations

Origin of Arab

1
C14: from Latin Arabs, from Greek Araps, from Arabic `Arab

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