Bolshevik

noun

Bol·​she·​vik ˈbōl-shə-ˌvik 

ˈbȯl-,

ˈbäl-,

-ˌvēk 

plural Bolsheviks also Bolsheviki ˌbōl-shə-ˈvi-kē 

ˌbȯl-,

ˌbäl-,

-ˈvē-kē

1

: a member of the extremist wing of the Russian Social Democratic party that seized power in Russia by the Revolution of November 1917

2

: communist sense 3

Bolshevik adjective

Examples of Bolshevik in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1917, after years of living in exile, Bolshevik leaders returned home. —Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2024

This would not be the first time the Pets have gone Bolshevik and made unacceptable political challenges. —Armond White, National Review, 18 Sep. 2024

Imbrie’s work placed him in such peril that unsubstantiated rumors of Bolshevik involvement in his death persisted for years. —Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Sep. 2024

The Bolshevik victory influenced early Chinese radicals, and Moscow led and bankrolled the CCP in its early years. —Joseph Torigian, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Russian bol'shevik, from bol'shiĭ greater

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Bolshevik

• anti-Bolshevik

Kids Definition

Bolshevik

noun

Bol·​she·​vik ˈbōl-shə-ˌvik  ˈbȯl- 

ˈbäl-,

-ˌvēk

plural Bolsheviks or Bolsheviki ˌbōl-shə-ˈvik-ē 

ˌbȯl-,

ˌbäl-,

-ˈvē-kē

1

: a member of the communist party that seized power in Russia by the Revolution of November 1917

2

: communist sense 2

Bolshevik adjective