Boma

[ boh-muh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Boma

/ ˈbəʊmə /

a port in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaïre), on the Congo River, capital of the Belgian Congo until 1926: forest products. Pop: 607 000 (2005 est)

boma

/ ˈboːma /

an enclosure, esp a palisade or fence of thorn bush, set up to protect a camp, herd of animals, etc
1. a police post
2. a magistrate's office

Origin of Boma¹

C19: from Swahili

I'm not going to take any chances on being held up at Boma after getting out.

Mr. Wallace and the boys at once disembarked and interviewed the customs officials and took a launch up to the capital, Boma.

We were transporting eight prisoners to Boma and when we stopped these carried wood on to the steamer.

We therefore roll a good deal and travel very fast indeed until we reach Boma just before midday.

When he heard the name of the place Mr. Wallace looked somewhat surprised, then consulted a map which he had procured at Boma.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse