Spanish

noun

Span·​ish ˈspa-nish 

1

: the Romance language of the largest part of Spain and of the countries colonized by Spaniards

2

plural in construction : the people of Spain

Spanish adjective

Spanishness noun

Examples of Spanish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The nearby Fontana di Trevi may be a mob scene, but the hotel is superbly located within walking distance of every marquee site in Rome, from the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps. —Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2024

Then the Spanish arrived — then the Mexicans and the Americans. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, (888)-57-PISTA (74782). —Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 14 Dec. 2024

There are so many amazing directors who speak Spanish, from Spain, Mexico, or Argentina, who are creating incredible art. —Veronica Villafañe, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, adjective, from Middle English Spainish, from Spain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Spanish

• Judeo-Spanish
• Mexican Spanish
• Spanish American
• Spanish bayonet
• Spanish chestnut
• Spanish fly
• Spanish mackerel
• Spanish moss
• Spanish needles
• Spanish omelet
• Spanish onion
• Spanish rice
• the Spanish

Kids Definition

Spanish

noun

Span·​ish ˈspan-ish 

1

: the Romance language of Spain and of the countries colonized by Spaniards

2

Spanish plural : the people of Spain

Spanish adjective