aeolian

1 of 4

adjective (1)

ae·​o·​lian ē-ˈō-lē-ən How to pronounce aeolian (audio)
ē-ˈōl-yən
1
often Aeolian : of or relating to Aeolus
2
: giving forth or marked by a moaning or sighing sound or musical tone produced by or as if by the wind

aeolian

2 of 4

adjective (2)

ae·​o·​lian

less common spelling of eolian

: borne, deposited, produced, or eroded by the wind

Aeolian

3 of 4

adjective (3)

Ae·​o·​lian ē-ˈō-lē-ən How to pronounce Aeolian (audio) ā- How to pronounce Aeolian (audio)
-ˈōl-yən
: of or relating to Aeolis or its inhabitants

Aeolian

4 of 4

noun

1
: a member of a group of Greek peoples of Thessaly and Boeotia that colonized Lesbos and the adjacent coast of Asia Minor
2
: aeolic

Examples of aeolian 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
Her research focuses on understanding compound aeolian bedform patterns on Earth and Mars using a combination of remote sensing and fieldwork. — Lauren Berger, Space.com, 28 July 2025 With textured dials inspired by the natural aeolian sand patterns of France’s Dune du Pilat, these watches combine rugged field-watch styling with modern specs. — Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Her research focuses on understanding compound aeolian bedform patterns on Earth and Mars using a combination of remote sensing and fieldwork. — Lauren Berger, Space.com, 28 July 2025 With textured dials inspired by the natural aeolian sand patterns of France’s Dune du Pilat, these watches combine rugged field-watch styling with modern specs. — Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
The middle of the seven Aeolian Islands, sleepy Salina is famed for its Malvasia wine and capers. — Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2025 Sleek modern rooms with sea views look out to the Aeolian Islands. — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for aeolian

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Aeolus, god of the winds (borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek Aíolos) + -ian entry 2

Adjective (3)

Aeolis, Aeolia, ancient territory in Asia Minor (borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek Aiolís) + -an entry 2

Noun

derivative of aeolian entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1853, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (3)

1567, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aeolian was in 1546

Phrases Containing aeolian

Browse Nearby Words

aenigmatite
aeolian
Aeolian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aeolian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aeolian. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

aeolian

variant of eolian

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