Italian

1 of 2

noun

Ital·​ian ə-ˈtal-yən 

i-,

also

ˌī- 

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

Noun

The Italian has not just shown his admiration privately. —Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024

The Ferrari Mondial uses the same layout as the Evora, and while opinions on the Italian’s styling are, to put it nicely, mixed, not many complain about the Lotus’ winsome lines and curvy good looks. —Jeremy Korzeniewski, Robb Report, 19 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The Italian tactician delivered La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup titles to the Bernabeu in this calendar year. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Employment in the Vatican however is often sought-after by Italian Catholics: Aside from the sense of service to the church, Vatican employment offers tax-free benefits and access to below-market housing. —CBS News, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Italian

• anti-Italian
• Italian American
• Italian dressing
• Italian greyhound
• Italian parsley
• Italian sandwich
• Italian sonnet
• Upper Italian

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