Australian

1 of 2

adjective

Aus·​tra·​lian ȯ-ˈstrāl-yən 

ä-,

ə-

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent or commonwealth of Australia, its inhabitants, or the languages spoken there

2

: of, relating to, or being a biogeographic region that comprises Australia, the islands north of it from Celebes eastward, Tasmania, New Zealand, and Polynesia

Australian

2 of 2

noun

1

: a native or inhabitant of the Australian commonwealth

2

: a group of about 200 languages spoken by the aboriginal inhabitants of Australia

Examples of Australian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Per the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the Chinese government's strategic approach to Antarctica is part of its national security policy, where the region and Southern Ocean are included in areas for future influence and dominance. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

This weekend, contemporary art gallery Albertz Benda presents the first U.S. solo show of the Australian abstract painter’s work in conjunction with his feature at Miami’s Untitled Art Fair. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Noun

The last two years have seen the Australian, who turns 17 in late December, draw comparisons to sprinting great Usain Bolt. —Matias Grez, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024

The following year, filmmaker and fellow Australian Baz Luhrmann called her up to star in his digital cover for Vogue Australia’s June 2022 issue. —Irene Kim, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Australian

• Australian ballot
• Australian cattle dog
• Australian pine
• Australian Rules football
• Australian shepherd
• Australian terrier

Kids Definition

Australian

adjective

Aus·​tra·​lian

ȯ-ˈstrāl-yən,

ä-

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Australia or its people