# Arab

/ˈæɹəb/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. a person

noun · CEFR B1

a person who belongs to the ethnic group originally from the Arabian Peninsula, or someone whose first language is Arabic.

For teachers: a member of the Semitic ethnic group native to the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions, typically defined by the use of the Arabic language.

- The conference brought together Arabs from many different countries to discuss trade.
- Scholars often debate the precise definition of who qualifies as an Arab, balancing linguistic, cultural, and genealogical factors.

### 2. related to Arab people

adjective · CEFR B1

relating to Arab people, their culture, or their countries.

For teachers: of or pertaining to the Arab people, their culture, or the nations of the Arab world.

- We enjoyed traditional Arab music and food at the festival last night.
- The Arab world encompasses a diverse range of political systems and economic structures across two continents.

### 3. a horse

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a type of horse that is famous for being fast and strong, originally from the Middle East.

For teachers: an Arabian horse, noted for its intelligence, spirit, and stamina.

- The rider chose a beautiful grey Arab for the long race across the desert.
- The pedigree of the purebred Arab has been carefully preserved for centuries due to the breed's exceptional endurance.

## Examples

- He is a proud Arab who speaks three languages.
- The conference brought together Arabs from across the region to discuss shared economic and cultural goals.
- Scholars often distinguish between the ethnic identity of an Arab and the religious identity of a Muslim, as the two categories overlap significantly but are not synonymous.

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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.