# Roma

/ˈɹoʊmɑ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the Romani people

noun · CEFR B2

the people who belong to the Romani ethnic group, who originally came from India and now live all over the world.

For teachers: the Romani people as a collective ethnic group, or a member of this group. Often used as an endonym to replace older, less respectful terms.

- The festival celebrated the music and history of the Roma in Europe.
- Scholars have traced the linguistic roots of the Roma back to northern India, documenting their migration across the Middle East into Europe over several centuries.

### 2. relating to the Romani

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the Romani people or their culture.

For teachers: pertaining to the Romani people, their culture, or their language. Functions as a non-gradable adjective.

- We went to a concert to hear traditional Roma songs.
- The exhibition showcased Roma textile patterns, highlighting the distinct artistic traditions preserved by different subgroups across the continent.

### 3. a type of tomato

noun · CEFR B2

a small, egg-shaped tomato that is very good for making sauces because it does not have much water.

For teachers: a variety of plum tomato characterized by its elongated shape and low moisture content, making it ideal for canning and sauces.

- I bought a bag of Roma tomatoes to make a fresh pasta sauce.
- The chef insisted on using Roma tomatoes for the marinara, noting that their firm flesh produces a thicker consistency without prolonged reduction.

## Examples

- The festival celebrates the music and culture of the Roma.
- Many European cities are working to improve social inclusion and educational opportunities for the local Roma population.
- Scholars have traced the linguistic roots of the Roma back to central India, confirming a migration pattern that began over a thousand years ago and spread across the Byzantine Empire.

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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.