Russian

noun

Rus·​sian ˈrə-shən How to pronounce Russian (audio)
1
a
: a native or inhabitant of Russia
b
: a member of the dominant Slavic-speaking ethnic group of Russia
c
: a person of Russian descent
2
: a Slavic language of the Russian people spoken as a second language by many non-Russian ethnic groups of the Soviet Union and its successor states
Russian adjective
Russianness noun

Examples of Russian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Newsweek has been unable to verify these figures and has contacted the Russian Defense Ministry for comment. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 The Hill has contacted the Department of Homeland Security and the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., for comment. Yash Roy, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 In Chicago, voters can choose to vote in one of 12 languages on touchscreen machines: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Russian. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024 The whiskey is vibrant and aromatic, with fresh, red fruit notes of cherries, raspberries, and cranberry aromas, reflecting the influence of the Russian River Pinot Noir casks. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Russian 

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Russian was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near Russian

Cite this Entry

“Russian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Russian. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Russian

noun
Rus·​sian ˈrəsh-ən How to pronounce Russian (audio)
1
: a person born or living in Russia
2
: a Slavic language of the Russian people
Russian adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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