anba

noun

an·​ba
ˈambə
variants or amba
"
plural -s
: father
used as a title of a Coptic clergyman or saint

Word History

Etymology

Arabic, from Coptic apa, abba, from Syriac abbā father

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anba was in 1835

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near anba

Cite this Entry

“Anba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anba. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!