# Arabic

/ˈæɹəbɪk/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the language

noun · CEFR A2

a language spoken by many people in the Middle East and North Africa.

For teachers: a Central Semitic language spoken natively across the Middle East and North Africa, existing in various dialects alongside a standardized literary form.

- She is learning to speak Arabic because she wants to work in Cairo.
- Modern Standard Arabic serves as the formal lingua franca across diverse regions, though local spoken dialects vary significantly from one another.

### 2. the script

noun · CEFR B1

the system of writing used for the Arabic language and some other languages.

For teachers: the alphabet or writing system, derived from Aramaic, used for Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and several other languages.

- The artist used beautiful Arabic to decorate the walls of the building.
- The manuscript was written in a flowing style of Arabic that was difficult for the students to decipher without help.

### 3. relating to the language or culture

adjective · CEFR A2

connected to the Arabic language or the culture of people who speak it.

For teachers: pertaining to the Arabic language, its script, or the cultural and historical output of the Arab world.

- We enjoyed listening to traditional Arabic music during the festival.
- The professor specialized in medieval Arabic philosophy and its influence on European thought during the Renaissance.

### 4. Arabic numerals

adjective · CEFR B1

the set of numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

For teachers: referring to the ten digits (0-9) used in the most common system for writing numbers worldwide.

- Most countries use Arabic numerals instead of Roman numerals today.
- The transition from Roman to Arabic numerals revolutionized mathematics by introducing a more efficient positional notation system.

## Examples

- She is learning how to write her name in Arabic.
- The business contract was provided in both English and Arabic to ensure all parties understood the terms.
- Modern Standard Arabic is used in formal education and media, while various regional dialects serve as the primary means of daily communication across the Arab world.

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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.