English · Word Candidate

Somali

/səˈmɑːli/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: Somalis

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An ethnic group native to the Somali Peninsula; a Somali, a group of Somalis, the Somalis.

Noun

Historically, Somalis were a nomadic people herding camels, goats, and sheep. Nowadays, many if not most Somalis are urbanized people.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

The Somali ethnic group as a whole; the Somali.

Noun

The Somali are an ethnic group of Cushitic origin indigenous to the Somali Peninsula. Their language is called Somali.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Of, from, or pertaining to Somalia, the Somali people or language.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “Somali” mean?

An ethnic group native to the Somali Peninsula; a Somali, a group of Somalis, the Somalis.

Is “Somali” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.