Penang
/pəˈnæŋ/noun
A Malaysian state and island in the Strait of Malacca, known for its historic port and capital, George Town.
Did you know?The name Penang is usually traced to Malay pinang, meaning the areca palm, whose nut was chewed across maritime Asia and became so culturally important that it named the island.
Etymological Timeline
Before 16th Century
Malay
pinang
“Areca palm; by extension, the areca nut used in betel chewing.”
Late 16th Century
Portuguese
Pulo Pinang
““Penang Island,” recorded by European sailors as a place-name in the Malay world.”
18th Century
English
Prince of Wales Island / Penang
“British colonial name for the island, alongside the local Malay name.”
Modern English
English
Penang
“The modern English name of the Malaysian island and state.”