ariary

noun

ari·​a·​ry ˌä-rē-ˈä-rē How to pronounce ariary (audio)
plural ariary
: the basic monetary unit of Madagascar see Money Table

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Malagasy, earlier, "five-franc note, piece of cut money (as a Maria Theresa dollar)," borrowed from Arabic al-riyāl, from al "the" + riyāl riyal entry 1

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ariary was in 1979

Rhymes for ariary

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Browse Nearby Words

aria parlante
ariary
Arias Sánchez
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Cite this Entry

“Ariary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ariary. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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