safari

noun

sa·​fa·​ri sə-ˈfär-ē How to pronounce safari (audio)
-ˈfa-rē
Synonyms of safarinext
1
: the caravan and equipment of a hunting expedition especially in eastern Africa
also : such a hunting expedition
2
: journey, expedition
an arctic safari
safari intransitive verb

Examples of safari in a Sentence

He went on a safari in Africa last year. a group of hunters on safari
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.
Americans are being warned to avoid parts of an African safari destination where terrorists have targeted upscale lodges frequented by international big-game hunters. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Beyond the rooms, the hotel offers experiences that turn a stay into a real adventure; think horseback riding through Konavle, an ATV or buggy safari, sea kayaking around the Old Town walls, or even a private Game of Thrones tour through the city. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026 On its infrared galactic safari, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) just captured it on camera. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026 Brad Taylor/Thanda Safari A Big Five Safari—With Sharks For an unforgettable safari, see the Big Five at South Africa’s Thanda, a more than 40,000-acre private game reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal region. — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for safari

Word History

Etymology

Swahili, journey, from Arabic safarī of a journey

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of safari was in 1859

Phrases Containing safari

Rhymes for safari

See All Rhymes for safari

Browse Nearby Words

Safar
safari
safari ant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Safari.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safari. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

safari

noun
sa·​fa·​ri sə-ˈfär-ē How to pronounce safari (audio)
-ˈfar-
: a hunting expedition especially in eastern Africa

More from Merriam-Webster on safari

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for safari

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about safari

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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