ashanti
|a-shan-ti|
/əˈʃænti/
Asante people/kingdom (Ghana)
Etymology
'ashanti' originates from the Akan (Twi) word 'Asante' (often also spelled 'Ashanti'); the name is drawn from the local Akan language used by the people.
'ashanti' comes from Twi 'Asante' and entered English usage during contact between European traders/colonial officials and the people of the region in the 18th–19th centuries; English speakers adopted the form 'Ashanti'.
Initially it referred primarily to the people called Asante; over time the term expanded to denote the political kingdom (Ashanti Empire), the modern administrative region, and later was also used as a personal name.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an Akan ethnic group primarily of central Ghana, also known as Asante.
The ashanti have a long tradition of goldsmithing and craft.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the historic Ashanti (Asante) kingdom/empire — a powerful Akan state in what is now Ghana, especially influential in the 17th–19th centuries.
The ashanti kingdom resisted British colonial expansion in the 19th century.
Synonyms
Noun 3
an administrative region of modern Ghana (Ashanti Region).
She traveled to the ashanti region to visit the city of Kumasi.
Synonyms
Noun 4
a personal given name (used in English), notably borne by the American singer Ashanti.
The singer ashanti released a new album this year.
Last updated: 2025/10/28 02:10