Boer

noun

ˈbȯr How to pronounce Boer (audio) ˈbu̇r How to pronounce Boer (audio)
: a South African of Dutch or Huguenot descent

Examples of Boer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Queen Victoria created the unit in 1900 after an adviser suggested that the Irish regiments should wear shamrocks on their headdress every St. Patrick's Day as a nod to the crown's appreciation for their gallantry during the Boer War, the British Army said. — Janine Henni, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 This article was written with contributions by Natan Linder, Tulip; Enno De Boer, McKinsey & Company; Eddy Atkins, Tulip; Phil Long, McKinsey & Company; and Jonathan Hauser, McKinsey & Company Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades Join The Conversation Comments 0 One Community. — Natan Linder, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Dutch, literally, farmer — more at boor

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Boer was in 1776

Rhymes for Boer

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Browse Nearby Words

Boeotia
Boer
Boerhaavia
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Cite this Entry

“Boer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Boer. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Boer

noun
ˈbō(ə)r How to pronounce Boer (audio) ˈbȯ(ə)r How to pronounce Boer (audio)
ˈbu̇(ə)r
: a South African usually of Dutch descent
Etymology

Dutch, literally, "farmer"

More from Merriam-Webster on Boer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Boer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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