congo

n. uncountable

B1 Intermediate US //ˈkɑŋɡoʊ// con·go

Informal

n. a large country in Central Africa, or the long river that flows through it.

n. a major river in Central Africa, or either of the two sovereign states (the Democratic Republic of the Congo or the Republic of the Congo) through which it flows.

SIMPLE

The Congo is one of the longest rivers in the world.

CONTEXTUAL

Many unique animal species live in the deep rainforests of the Congo basin.

COMPLEX

Navigating the Congo requires significant expertise due to the series of powerful rapids and waterfalls that punctuate its lower course before it reaches the Atlantic.

Synonyms

congou
zaire

Etymology 1

After Kongo, from Kongo nkongo (“hunter”). Compare Kongo dikongo (“spear”), Zulu umkhonto, Proto-Bantu *mʊ̀kóndó.

Etymology 2

Clipping of Congregationalist + -o.

Usage

Typically used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the river or the geographical region.