often capitalized
: a cotton or linen fabric in plain weave usually heavily sized or glazed and used for window shades, bookbinding, and clothing

Word History

Etymology

Middle English holand, from Holand, county in the Netherlands, from Middle Dutch Holland

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Holland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holland. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Geographical Definition

Holland

geographical name

1
city in western Michigan on Lake Michigan population 33,051
2
medieval county of the Holy Roman Empire bordering on the North Sea, now forming the North Holland and South Holland provinces of the Netherlands
3

Biographical Definition

Holland 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

John Philip 1840–1914 American (Irish-born) inventor

Holland

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Sir Sidney George 1893–1961 prime minister of New Zealand (1945–57)

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