Corinthian

1 of 2

noun

Co·rin·thi·an kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən

: a native or resident of Corinth, Greece

: a merry profligate man

Corinthian

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth or Corinthians

: of or relating to the lightest and most ornate of the three ancient Greek architectural orders distinguished especially by its large capitals decorated with carved acanthus leaves see order illustration

Examples of Corinthian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Adjective

The columns that will support the ballroom’s south colonnade have Corinthian capitals, the most ornate type of decorative top for a column. — Kevin D. Murphy, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026 When is a column’s capital Doric, Ionic or Corinthian enough to be considered classical? — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 Its 118-foot pediments would be the largest in Washington and its seventy-two Corinthian columns were each over 53 feet high and weighed 95 tons. — Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 The new Corinthian sailing yacht, from Orient Express, promises to shake up luxury cruise vacations with its innovative features. — David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for Corinthian

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of Corinthian was in 1520

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Corinthian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Corinthian. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Corinthian

adjective

Co·rin·thi·an

kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən

: of or relating to a style of Greek architecture characterized by a bell-shaped capital covered with sculptured leaves

Etymology

Adjective

named for Corinth, region and city in ancient Greece

Corinthian

noun

adjective

Examples of Corinthian in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

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