Italian

1 of 2

noun

Ital·​ian ə-ˈtal-yən How to pronounce Italian (audio)
i-
also
ˌī- How to pronounce Italian (audio)
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

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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.
Noun
The region is also increasingly recognized for experimentation, with Italian, Rhône, Spanish, and even Portuguese varietals finding success in this climate. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 Despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 30 July 2025
Adjective
Folks who prefer savory to sweet can order a breakfast sandwich on a homemade biscuit or Italian bread, but everyone has to add at least one Apple Ugly to their order. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025 The Italian government, under new legislation, would tighten controls on the supply of gender transition medical treatment for minors, according to a draft law. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Italian

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Italian was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing Italian

Rhymes for Italian

See All Rhymes for Italian

Browse Nearby Words

ital
Italian
Italian American
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Cite this Entry

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

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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