# Cuban

/ˈkjubən/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. relating to Cuba

adjective · CEFR A2

coming from or relating to the country of Cuba.

For teachers: of, from, or pertaining to the island nation of Cuba, its culture, or its people.

- We spent the evening listening to Cuban music and dancing in the street.
- The documentary explores the complexities of Cuban history during the twentieth century, focusing on the island's unique political trajectory.

Usage: Always capitalized.

### 2. a person

noun · CEFR A2

a person from Cuba or whose family comes from Cuba.

For teachers: a native or inhabitant of Cuba, or a person of Cuban descent.

- My neighbor is a Cuban who moved to Miami ten years ago.
- The local community center provides resources for Cubans who have recently arrived in the city to help them find employment.

Usage: Always capitalized.

### 3. a cigar

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a high-quality cigar that is made in Cuba.

For teachers: a cigar manufactured in Cuba, widely regarded in the tobacco industry for its specific quality and prestige.

- He saved a special Cuban to smoke after his daughter's wedding.
- Despite the long-standing trade embargo, the collector managed to acquire several authentic Cubans through a contact in Europe.

Usage: Used as a countable noun when referring to the cigar itself.

### 4. a sandwich

noun · CEFR B1 · American English · Informal

a toasted sandwich with ham, pork, cheese, and pickles.

For teachers: a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich that originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Florida.

- I ordered a Cuban and a side of fries for lunch.
- The deli is famous for its authentic Cuban, which is pressed until the bread is perfectly crisp and the cheese is melted.

## Examples

- My neighbor is a Cuban who moved here last year.
- The festival featured several Cubans who shared stories about their childhood in Havana and the music of their island.
- While many Cubans in the diaspora maintain strong ties to the island, their cultural expressions often blend traditional Caribbean elements with the influences of their new urban environments.

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