naira

noun

nai·​ra ˈnī-rə How to pronounce naira (audio)
plural nairas or naira
: the basic monetary unit of Nigeria see Money Table

Examples of naira 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.
Guests without naira might have to use a transfer app to make payments for purchases, which can be a little awkward for small purchases. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2026 The government has twice devalued the naira in the past year, trying to enable it to float more freely and attract foreign investment. — Ismail Auwal Taiwo Aina, New York Times, 11 June 2024 Growth improved due to government interventions such as subsidy removals, which have resulted in higher revenues, a stronger naira currency, rising foreign reserves, and an increase in exports. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025 Economy tickets on Nigerian carriers roughly doubled to 350,500 naira. — Vanessa Offiong, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for naira

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Nigeria

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of naira was in 1972

Rhymes for naira

See All Rhymes for naira

Browse Nearby Words

Nair
naira
Nairn
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Naira.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naira. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on naira

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about naira

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