English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From Gullah. Apparently a corruption of the English phrase “come by here” in a spiritual song.

Pronunciation edit

  • (US) IPA(key): /ˌkum.baɪˈjɑ/, /ˌkum.bɑˈjɑ/, /ˈkʌm.baː.jə/

Noun edit

kumbaya

  1. The title of the etymological folk song, used with varying degrees of sincerity or sarcasm to refer to the song's evocations of spiritual unity and interpersonal harmony.

Derived terms edit

Further reading edit