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.
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 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 Getty Images Just days before the World Cup is due to start, Somali referee Omar Artan — voted best referee in Africa for 2025 —can’t enter the United States. — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 The Somali, who had been named Confederation of African Football Referee of the Year in 2025, became the first referee from his country to be appointed to call a World Cup match, but he was forced to return to Istanbul after being denied entry at Miami International Airport. — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 10 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Somali

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Somali

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