afghan

af-ghan · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A soft knitted or crocheted blanket or throw, typically made of wool or acrylic yarn in colorful patterns.

  2. 2.

    (Afghan) A native or inhabitant of Afghanistan.

  3. 3.

    (Afghan hound) A tall, slender breed of dog with a long, silky coat, originally bred in Afghanistan.

  4. 4.

    (Afghan) The Pashto language.

Forms

plural: afghans

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    afghan hound — A breed of elegant, long-haired dog.
  • •
    crochet afghan — A blanket made using crochet techniques.

Related words

See also: Afghanistan, Pashto, blanket
Synonyms: blanket, throw

Etymology

From Persian afghān, referring to the Pashtun people of Afghanistan. The blanket sense arose in American English in the early 19th century, possibly because similar blankets were brought from or associated with Afghanistan.