Bostonese

1 of 2

noun

Bos·​ton·​ese

¦bȯ-stə-¦nēz,

-¦nēs sometimes ¦bä-;

rapidly sometimes -sə-¦nē-

plural Bostonese

1

plural in construction , dated : natives or inhabitants of Boston

2

: the speech of Boston and the immediately surrounding region marked by certain features (such as the use of \ȧ\ for the a in ask) that set it off sharply from most other speech patterns of the U.S.

Bostonese

2 of 2

adjective

Bos·​ton·​ese

¦bȯ-stə-¦nēz,

-¦nēs sometimes ¦bä-;

rapidly sometimes -sə-¦nē-

dated

: a native or resident of Boston, Massachusetts : bostonian

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now