herero: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+ / Very LowFormal, Academic, Ethnographic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “herero” mean?
A Bantu-speaking people of Namibia and southwestern Angola.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Bantu-speaking people of Namibia and southwestern Angola.
The language spoken by the Herero people, or a member of this ethnic group; also refers to related cultural attributes and the historical cattle-herding traditions of this community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Slight variation in pronunciation. Both use the term in the same academic/geopolitical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral/descriptive in academic writing; may carry historical connotations related to German colonial-era conflicts (1904–1908) for informed readers.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, encountered almost exclusively in specialised contexts (history, anthropology, African studies).
Grammar
How to Use “herero” in a Sentence
[The] Herero + [plural verb]A Herero + [singular verb]The Herero language is...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “herero” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Herero community in Otjimbingwe maintains its traditions.
- Herero cattle are a central part of their economy.
American English
- The Herero community in Gobabis maintains its traditions.
- Herero cattle herding is a vital cultural practice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, history, linguistics, and African studies to refer to the ethnic group, their language, or related historical events.
Everyday
Extremely rare; likely only used when discussing specific Namibian history or culture.
Technical
Used in ethnography, historical demography, and linguistic classification of Bantu languages.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “herero”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “herero”
- Decapitalising it (e.g., 'a herero').
- Using it as an adjective without a noun (better: 'Herero culture', not 'it is Herero').
- Pronouncing it with a hard /h/ or as 'hero'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a proper noun referring to a specific ethnic group and language, and should always be capitalised.
The plural can be 'Herero' (invariant) or 'Hereros'. 'The Herero' is commonly used as a collective plural.
It is a Bantu language (Niger-Congo family), specifically within the R.30 zone of Bantu languages.
It was one of the first genocides of the 20th century, committed by German colonial forces in South-West Africa (1904-1908), and is a crucial topic in colonial and genocide studies.
A Bantu-speaking people of Namibia and southwestern Angola.
Herero is usually formal, academic, ethnographic, historical in register.
Herero: in British English it is pronounced /həˈrɛərəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /həˈrɛroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HERO: Imagine a **hero** of the Herero people leading them.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE THEIR LAND/TRADITION (e.g., 'The Herero are deeply connected to their cattle').
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'Herero'?