Arab

[ ar-uh b ]
/ ˈær əb /

noun

adjective

Origin of Arab

1625–35; back formation from Latin Arabs (taken as plural) < Greek Áraps Arabian, an Arabian or Arab

usage note for Arab

The meanings “street peddler” and “vagabond” (in this second sense, also called a street arab ) are sometimes perceived as insulting because of their reference to the historically nomadic peoples of the Arabian peninsula. The meaning “vagabond” has fallen into disuse. However, street vendors in Baltimore, Maryland, are called Arabs; in fact, it is a self-referential term—that is, one used by the vendors themselves.

pronunciation note for Arab

The pronunciation of Arab as [ey-rab] /ˈeɪˌræb/, with an initial [ey] /eɪ/ sound and secondary stress on the second syllable, is sometimes used facetiously or disparagingly. It is especially common in the street-peddler and street-arab senses and is usually considered offensive in any sense.

OTHER WORDS FROM Arab

an·ti-Ar·ab, adjective, noun non-Ar·ab, noun, adjective pro-Ar·ab, adjective

Definition for arab (2 of 2)

British Dictionary definitions for arab

Arab

noun

a member of a Semitic people originally inhabiting Arabia, who spread throughout the Middle East, N Africa, and Spain during the seventh and eighth centuries ad
a lively intelligent breed of horse, mainly used for riding
(modifier) of or relating to the Arabs the Arab nations

Word Origin for Arab

C14: from Latin Arabs, from Greek Araps, from Arabic `Arab