astrakhan

noun

as·​tra·​khan ˈa-strə-kən How to pronounce astrakhan (audio)
-ˌkan
variants often Astrakhan
1
: karakul of Russian origin
2
: a cloth with a usually wool, curled, and looped pile resembling karakul

Examples of astrakhan 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.
For further proof, consider the gorgeous coats in Haider Ackermann’s final Berluti collection, or the glossy, rounded astrakhan coat at Dior Men pre-fall. — Emily Farra, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Astrakhan, Russia

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of astrakhan was in 1766

Browse Nearby Words

astrakanite
astrakhan
Astrakhan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

astrakhan

noun
as·​tra·​khan ˈas-trə-kən How to pronounce astrakhan (audio)
-ˌkan
often capitalized
1
: sheepskin of the karakul lamb from Russia
2
: a cloth made to look like karakul sheepskin

Geographical Definition

Astrakhan

geographical name

As·​tra·​khan ˈa-strə-ˌkan How to pronounce Astrakhan (audio)
-kən
city in Russia in Europe on the Volga River at the head of its delta population 512,000

More from Merriam-Webster on astrakhan

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about astrakhan

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