Persian

noun

Per·​sian ˈpər-zhən 

 especially British  -shən

1

: one of the people of Persia: such as

a

: one of the ancient Iranians who under Cyrus and his successors founded an empire in southwest Asia

b

: a member of one of the peoples forming the modern Iranian nationality

2

a

: any of several Iranian languages dominant in Persia at different periods

b

: the modern language of Iran and western Afghanistan see Indo-European Languages Table

3

: a thin soft silk formerly used especially for linings

4

: persian cat

Persian adjective

Examples of Persian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the same time, other organizations are looking at applying traditional sporting models to the digital world—and often finding interest from the Persian Gulf. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2024

That resolution, which ended the Iran-Iraq War, called on the secretary-general to consult with Iran, Iraq, and other regional states to explore measures that could enhance security and stability in the Persian Gulf. —Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affairs, 2 Dec. 2024

From Central Asia into the Mideast, historically the Turco-Mongolian continuum has battled for power with the Persian Empire. —Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Now, recent investigations at Bahra 1, considered to be the largest Ubaid settlement on the Persian Gulf (also known as the Arabian Gulf) coast, have cast new light on the prehistoric site, the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw (PCMA UW), announced. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Persian

• Middle Persian
• Old Persian
• Persian cat
• Persian lamb

Kids Definition

Persian

noun

Per·​sian ˈpər-zhən 

1

: a native or inhabitant of ancient Persia or modern Iran

2

: the language of the Persians

Persian adjective