khoisan

/ˈkɔɪsɑːn/
noun
  1. A group of indigenous peoples of southern Africa, including the Khoikhoi and San, who share linguistic and cultural features.
    • Many Khoisan today live in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
    • The Khoisan have lived in southern Africa for thousands of years.
    • The museum has an exhibit on the history and traditions of the Khoisan.
  2. The language family spoken by the Khoisan peoples, known for its use of click consonants.
    • Khoisan languages are famous for their clicking sounds.
    • She is learning a Khoisan language as part of her research.
    • Linguists study Khoisan to understand how click languages developed.
adjective
  1. Relating to the Khoisan peoples or their languages.
    • Khoisan music often features rhythmic clapping and singing.
    • He wrote a book about Khoisan history in southern Africa.
    • The Khoisan culture includes unique rock art and storytelling traditions.
What does "khoisan" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean