/lɔˈbɔːlɔu/ or /lɔˈbɔ̀lɔ̀u/ (in Southern Africa)

Definitions

1. noun

A traditional bride price in Southern Africa, especially among the Zulu and Xhosa peoples, where the groom must pay a dowry to the bride’s family.

“The young man paid the lobolo to his fiancée’s family before the wedding ceremony.”

2. verb

To pay the lobolo, or to give a bride price in Southern Africa.

“The family decided to lobolo the girl to her suitor before the marriage.”