1
: a member of a people inhabiting the western Pyrenees on the Bay of Biscay
2
: the language of the Basques of unknown relationship
3
not capitalized : a tight-fitting bodice for women
Basque adjective

Examples of Basque in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scientists at Spain's University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) have identified a link between marathon running and a sharp reduction in the protective myelin that surrounds nerve fibers – axons – in the brain. New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2025 Castilian Spanish is spoken by the majority of Spaniards, but some autonomous regions have their own official language (Catalan in Catalonia, for example, and Basque, or Euskara, in the Basque Country). Cnn.com, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025 Euskal Non-League Day’s growing success The Basque Country movement was started in 2010 by James Doe and has now been backed by Athletic Club’s foundation for the third year in a row. Sam Leveridge, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 The menu changes daily and reflects Corcoran’s proud Irish heritage, as well as time spent in France and the Basque Country: potato leek soup, guinea fowl pie, Dublin coddle, rice pudding. Amiel Stanek, Bon Appétit, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Basque

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, ultimately from Latin Vasco member of a group of ancient peoples inhabiting the present Basque country

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Basque was in 1653

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Cite this Entry

“Basque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Basque. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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