What does "blackamoor" mean?
A person with dark black skin, especially one from north Africa.
Blackamoor
/ˈblæk.əˌmɔː(ɹ)/ name, noun
name, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person with dark black skin, especially one from north Africa.
- Grammar: blackamoor is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: black person, negro, black, derogatory term.
- Useful contrasts: abstract sculpture, neutral label, respectful term.
- Usage evidence: Argent, three blackamoors’ heads couped sable, capped or, fretty gules.
How to use "blackamoor"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "blackamoor" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "blackamoor" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "blackamoor" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "blackamoor" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "black person" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person with dark black skin, especially one from north Africa. archaic, offensive
"Argent, three blackamoors’ heads couped sable, capped or, fretty gules."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of blackamoor. alt-of, archaic, obsolete, offensive
"highly discontented to understand the great numbers of negars and Blackamoors which (as she is informed) are crept into this realm... who are fostered and relieved [i.e. fed] her to the great annoyance of her own liege people, that want the relief [i.e. food], which those people consume, as also for that the most of them are infidels, having no understanding of Christ or his Gospel."
- 3 a person with dark skin who comes from Africa (or whose ancestors came from Africa) wordnet
- 4 A black slave or servant, and hence any slave, servant, inferior, or child. offensive
"1893, Annotation to The Diary of Samuel Pepys by "Mary", http://www.pepysdiary.com/archive/1660/08/10/index.php citing Restoration London, Liza Picard, pages 178-179. In 1596 Elizabeth I had already decreed that all "blackamoors" should be sent back to Spain or Portugal as they were disturbing local labour markets. It became very fashionable for the wealthy to have "blackamoor" page boys and personal servants, as their complexions set off the pale-skinned beauty of the women of the family."
Proper Noun
- 1 A village in Blackburn with Darwen borough, Lancashire, England (OS grid ref SD6925).
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
abstract sculptureneutral labelrespectful termwhite person
Example
"Argent, three blackamoors’ heads couped sable, capped or, fretty gules."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "blackamoor"?
Common synonyms include: black person, negro, black, derogatory term, figurine, person of african descent.
How do you use "blackamoor" in a sentence?
Argent, three blackamoors’ heads couped sable, capped or, fretty gules.
How do you pronounce "blackamoor"?
Pronounced /ˈblæk.əˌmɔː(ɹ)/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From earlier blackmoor + -a-. By surface analysis, black + -a- + Moor.
Etymology 2
From Blakemor (first recorded use in 1210), from Old English blæc (“black”) + mór (“moor”).