cuban: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; informal when used as a standalone noun for a person.
Quick answer
What does “cuban” mean?
Relating to the island country of Cuba, its people, or its culture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the island country of Cuba, its people, or its culture.
Often used to describe a person from Cuba, or items, styles, music, or food originating from or associated with Cuba (e.g., Cuban cigar, Cuban music). In dance, specifically refers to a style of salsa dancing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. Minor spelling differences may appear in compound terms (e.g., 'Cuban-American' hyphenation follows the same regional preferences as other compound nationalities).
Connotations
Similar in both, carrying cultural and political associations related to Cuba's history, revolution, and relations with the US. In American English, these political connotations can be more immediate and charged.
Frequency
Comparable frequency, though specific references (e.g., 'Cuban missile crisis') may have higher frequency in AmE due to historical context.
Grammar
How to Use “cuban” in a Sentence
[be] + Cuban[of] Cuban + origin/descentCuban + nounVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cuban” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She brought back some genuine Cuban rum.
- The museum had an exhibit on Cuban history.
American English
- He ordered a Cuban sandwich at the diner.
- The policy change affected Cuban immigrants.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to trade, embargoes, commodities like cigars or sugar (e.g., 'Cuban trade restrictions').
Academic
Used in history, political science, and cultural studies relating to Cuba (e.g., 'Cuban revolutionary ideology').
Everyday
Commonly used to describe people, food, dance, and holidays (e.g., 'My neighbour is Cuban.', 'We went to a Cuban restaurant.').
Technical
Limited technical use; may appear in geography, anthropology, or tobacco industry contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cuban”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cuban”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cuban”
- Incorrect: 'He is from Cuban.' (Correct: 'He is Cuban.' or 'He is from Cuba.')
- Incorrect capitalisation when not used as a proper adjective/noun (e.g., 'cuban music' should be 'Cuban music').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, because it is derived from a proper noun (Cuba). Always capitalise it: Cuban people, Cuban culture.
Yes, it can be a countable noun meaning a person from Cuba (e.g., 'The Cubans I've met are very friendly').
'Cuban' means authentically from Cuba. 'Cuban-style' means made in the manner of Cuban things, but not necessarily from Cuba (e.g., a Cuban-style sandwich made in Miami).
The standard pronunciation /ˈkjuː.bən/ is virtually identical in both accents. The 'u' sound is like 'cue'.
Relating to the island country of Cuba, its people, or its culture.
Cuban is usually neutral to formal; informal when used as a standalone noun for a person. in register.
Cuban: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkjuː.bən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkjuː.bən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cuban sandwich (a specific type of pressed sandwich)”
- “Cuban heel (a style of shoe heel)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CUBA with an 'N' at the end: CUBA-N. It's simply the country name with an 'n' added to mean 'from or related to Cuba'.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Primarily a literal, geographical/cultural identifier).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common use of the word 'Cuban'?