Illyrian

noun

Il·​lyr·​i·​an i-ˈlir-ē-ən How to pronounce Illyrian (audio)
1
: a native or inhabitant of ancient Illyria
2
: the poorly attested Indo-European languages of the Illyrians see Indo-European Languages Table
Illyrian adjective

Examples of Illyrian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Viola disguises herself as the boy page Cesario and is tasked by the Illyrian Duke Orsino to woo the Countess Olivia in his stead. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Illyrian was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near Illyrian

Cite this Entry

“Illyrian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Illyrian. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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