Papiamento

noun

Pa·​pia·​men·​to ˌpä-pyə-ˈmen-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce Papiamento (audio)
variants or less commonly Papiamentu
ˌpä-pyə-ˈmen-(ˌ)tü How to pronounce Papiamento (audio)
: a Spanish-based creole language of Netherlands Antilles

Examples of Papiamento 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.
Always in Papiamento, the language of home. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026 In this diverse corner of the Caribbean, nearly everyone speaks four languages — Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish — making communication a breeze. — Catherine Garcia, theweek, 25 June 2024 Recently, someone direct messaged Bogaerts in Papiamento, his native language. — Annie Heilbrunn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025 Diario, a Papiamento-language newspaper in Aruba, reported that police are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Papiamento

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Papiamento papya talk + -mentu -ment

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Papiamento was in 1895

Rhymes for Papiamento

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Browse Nearby Words

Paphos
Papiamento
papier collé
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on Papiamento

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Papiamento

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