Mediterranean

adjective

Med·​i·​ter·​ra·​nean ˌme-də-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən 

-nyən

1

a

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Mediterranean Sea

Mediterranean water

a Mediterranean port city

Mediterranean islands

b

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the peoples, lands, or cultures bordering the Mediterranean Sea

Mediterranean cuisines

Mediterranean villas

the Mediterranean climate

2

mediterranean [Latin mediterraneus, from medius middle + terra land — more at terrace entry 1] : enclosed or nearly enclosed with land

It is a sea nearly as mediterranean as that which lies between Africa and Europe.

—Waldo Frank

3

: of or relating to a Caucasian (see caucasian sense 2) group or physical type characterized by medium or short stature, slender build, relatively long head, and dark complexion

her Mediterranean looks

Examples of Mediterranean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The estate unfurls elegantly across 28 acres of Mediterranean citrus groves and centuries old olive trees. —Brad Japhe, Forbes, 16 July 2023

The Tomato Girl aesthetic is a breezy, Mediterranean vibe that’s all about alfresco lunches (preferably on a terrazzo overlooking the Amalfi coast but a picnic blanket at the park will do), linen sundresses, generally living la dolce vita — and, of course, everyone’s favorite summer produce. —Emily Heil, Washington Post, 9 July 2023

Breezy dresses were perfect for the Mediterranean humidity and looked effortless, with the option to dress up or down by swapping accessories. —Dominique Norman, refinery29.com, 6 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing Mediterranean

• Mediterranean diet
• Mediterranean flour moth
• Mediterranean fruit fly

Kids Definition

Mediterranean

adjective

Med·​i·​ter·​ra·​nean ˌmed-ə-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən 

-ˈrā-nyən

: of or relating to the Mediterranean Sea or to the lands or peoples around it