# afghan

/ˈæfˌɡæn/ (US) · /ˈæfɡæn/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/afghan
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a person from Afghanistan or a person with family from that country. It can also refer to a warm, handmade blanket made of wool.

For teachers: a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan, or a person of Afghan descent. Also refers to a woollen blanket or shawl, typically knitted or crocheted.

## Examples

- My grandmother knitted a colorful Afghan for the sofa.
- The local community center hosted a dinner to welcome several Afghan families who recently moved to the neighborhood.
- While the term primarily identifies a citizen of Afghanistan, in textile contexts it refers to a patterned blanket whose intricate geometric designs often reflect traditional regional craftsmanship.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is an Afghani person." but "He is an Afghan person." — Afghan is the noun and adjective for the people; Afghani is the unit of currency used in Afghanistan.

## Usage notes

- When referring to people, it is a proper noun and must be capitalized.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.