Italian

1 of 2

noun

Ital·​ian ə-ˈtal-yən 

i-,

also

ˌī- 

1

a

: a native or inhabitant of Italy

b

: a person of Italian descent

2

: the Romance language of the Italians

Italian

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Italy, the Italians, or Italian

Examples of Italian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Thompson Italian Started by partners in work and life Katherine and Gabe Thompson—who cut their culinary chops at New York City stalwarts Per Se and Le Bernardin before relocating their family in 2015 to Northern Virginia—Thompson Italian keeps their food unfussy and downright delicious. —Katie Chang, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024

Located on the Susquehanna River about two hours west of Philadelphia, this thriving city maintains 25 playgrounds and parks, including Italian Lake and City Island, a 63-acre island in the middle of the Susquehanna River. —Katie Seemann, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2024

Adjective

James Fallon, executive editor of WWD, moderated a panel discussion on the newest trends and unique aspects of Italian beauty. —Fairchild Studio, WWD, 21 Sep. 2024

The costs of raising the ship will fall to its owner, Lynch’s widow, as is mandated by Italian maritime law. —Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 21 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Italian

• anti-Italian
• Italian American
• Italian dressing
• Italian greyhound
• Italian parsley
• Italian sandwich
• Italian sonnet
• Upper Italian

Kids Definition

Italian

noun

Ital·​ian

ə-ˈtal-yən,

i-

1

a

: a person born or living in Italy

b

: a person of Italian ancestry

2

: the Romance language of the Italians

Italian adjective