Somali

noun

So·​ma·​li sō-ˈmä-lē How to pronounce Somali (audio)
sə-
plural Somali or Somalis
1
: a member of a people of Somaliland
2
: the Cushitic language of the Somali
Somali adjective

Examples of Somali in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump admin official reveals why Somali World Cup ref was sent back home. — FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 The indictment further exposed adjacent links to existing fraud cases involving members of Minnesota’s Somali community, including the large $250 million Feeding Our Future free meal delivery fraud case. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 21 May 2026 Omar Artan, the Somali referee who was denied entry to the United States ahead of the World Cup, will be paid his tournament fee in full by FIFA despite not being able to participate. — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 14 June 2026 Earlier this year, Emmer called for the deportation of Somali Americans engaged in fraud, following the arrests and convictions of more than 60 people connected to the high-profile Feeding Our Future fraud scandal. — Eric Henderson, CBS News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for Somali

Word History

Etymology

from or akin to Somali Soomaali

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Somali was in 1814

Rhymes for Somali

See All Rhymes for Somali

Browse Nearby Words

somal
Somali
Somalia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Somali.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Somali. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Somali

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Somali

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