European

1 of 2

adjective

Eu·​ro·​pe·​an ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈpē-ən How to pronounce European (audio)
-ˈpēn
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Europe or its people
Europeanness noun

European

2 of 2

noun

1
: a native or inhabitant of Europe
2
: a person of European descent

Examples of European 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.
Adjective
Quo Vadis, Aida? premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2020 and picked up two BAFTA nominations and the best film prize at the European film awards, as well as an Academy Award nod for best international feature. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025 Debut European matches for Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri — including the latter’s first Champions League goal — were symbolic of their wondrous promotions to first-team football. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
While the European Union prohibits formaldehyde and some chemicals that release formaldehyde in cosmetics, most states (except California and Maryland, which implemented bans earlier this year) permit manufacturers to add these substances. Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025 During last summer’s European Championship, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann found a way to use them both in what was a 4-2-3-1 on paper, with Musiala lining up on the right and Wirtz on the left. Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for European

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1555, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of European was in 1555

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Cite this Entry

“European.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/European. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

European

1 of 2 adjective
Eu·​ro·​pe·​an ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈpē-ən How to pronounce European (audio)
: of or relating to Europe or its people

European

2 of 2 noun
1
: a person born or living in Europe
2
: a person of European ancestry
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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