Pennsylvania Dutch

noun

Penn·​syl·​va·​nia Dutch ˌpen(t)-səl-ˈvā-nyə- 

-nē-ə-

1

: a people originally of eastern Pennsylvania whose characteristic cultural traditions go back to the German migrations of the 18th century

2

: a dialect of German spoken mainly in Amish communities especially in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana

Pennsylvania Dutchman noun

Examples of Pennsylvania Dutch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Having grown up both Pennsylvania Dutch and Mennonite, Groff depicts one of the oldest folk magic practices in America: Braucherei, as it is called by the Pennsylvania Dutch, is a prayer and healing ritual intended to banish demons. —Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2024

The train, located in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating railroad in the nation, with its first rides departing in 1832, taking travelers through the breathtaking scenery in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2024

Descendants of German-speaking emigrants who settled in the Pennsylvania area—the Pennsylvania Dutch—are believed to be the creators of the pickled beet egg. —Kate Ramos, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2024

Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting the weather at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney since 1887, in an annual event derived from the Christian holiday Candlemas Day and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. —Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2024

The holiday evolved over centuries as it was observed by different groups, from the Celts to Germans to the Pennsylvania Dutch and eventually, by those in other parts of the US. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2024

Inside the white farmhouse, Eli, his tongue thick with a Pennsylvania Dutch accent, explained that his father was an Amish deacon who led services every other week. —Rachel Yoder, Harper's Magazine, 9 June 2023

Certainly, with my Mother’s parents both growing up in the shadow of the Pennsylvania Dutch. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2023

In my family, there was often sauerkraut, per the custom of the Pennsylvania Dutch and others. —Emily Heil, Washington Post, 29 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Pennsylvania Dutch

noun

Penn·​syl·​va·​nia Dutch ˌpen(t)-səl-ˌvā-nyə- 

-nē-ə-

1

: a people living mostly in eastern Pennsylvania whose culture goes back to the German migrations of the 18th century

2

: the German dialect of the Pennsylvania Dutch

Pennsylvania Dutchman noun