Italian

1 of 2

noun

Ital·​ian ə-ˈtal-yən How to pronounce Italian (audio)
i-,
also
ˌī- How to pronounce Italian (audio)
1
a
: a native or inhabitant of Italy
b
: a person of Italian descent
2
: the Romance language of the Italians

Italian

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Italy, the Italians, or Italian

Examples of Italian 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.
Noun
Just as successful was Italian Food by British writer Elizabeth David, which appeared in its U.S, edition in 1958, which went to a series of updates and revisions through three successive decades. John Mariani, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 Elsewhere, Italian Antonio Tiberi has ridden tactically to sit third, and could bring the home nation their first Giro podium since 2021. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Adjective
Yet that does not prevent Roma supporters – or the Serie A fanbase in general – from wondering just what such a move could do for both the Giallorossi and the wider world of Italian football. Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 The goal was to break the rules of the genre and reimagine it through a contemporary Italian lens. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for Italian

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Italian was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Italian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Italian. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

Italian

noun
Ital·​ian
ə-ˈtal-yən,
i-
1
a
: a person born or living in Italy
b
: a person of Italian ancestry
2
: the Romance language of the Italians
Italian adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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