dashiki

noun

da·​shi·​ki də-ˈshē-kē How to pronounce dashiki (audio)
dä-,
da-
variants or less commonly daishiki
dī- How to pronounce dashiki (audio)
: a usually brightly colored loose-fitting pullover garment

Illustration of dashiki

Illustration of dashiki

Examples of dashiki 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.
The trappings of Pan-African culture — the dashikis and kufis that once felt ubiquitous at home — were objects of skepticism. — Ismail Muhammad, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024 Many of the young girls wear long dresses with their heads covered and the boys wear colorful dashikis. — Tony Paige, New York Daily News, 2 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

modification of Yoruba dàńṣíkí

First Known Use

circa 1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dashiki was circa 1968

Rhymes for dashiki

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Cite this Entry

“Dashiki.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dashiki. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

dashiki

noun
da·​shi·​ki də-ˈshē-kē How to pronounce dashiki (audio)
: a usually brightly colored one-piece pullover garment
Etymology

derived from danshiki, an Indigenous word for this garment in a language of western Africa

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