noun
- a shantytown or slum in Brazil, typically built on hillsides around cities
Usage: Brazilian Portuguese origin
Examples
- The favela sprawled across the hillside overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
- Many residents of the favela lack access to clean water and electricity.
- Government programs aim to improve living conditions in Brazil’s favelas.
- She grew up in a favela but worked hard to attend university.
- The documentary explored daily life in a São Paulo favela.
- Urban planners are developing new approaches to favela development.