Spanish

noun

Span·​ish ˈspa-nish How to pronounce Spanish (audio)
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
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.
The role required fluency in at least three languages—and Blunt, by her own admission, just about speaks Spanish. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 2 July 2026 In a bilingual classroom next door to Waits’ class, students made predictions in Spanish on which objects would float or sink — flotar or hundirse — in a bucket of water. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026 Not all people who would identify as Catalan rather than Spanish would necessarily support breaking away. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 2 July 2026 In Spanish California, mission-building was on the 1776 checklist. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for Spanish

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, adjective, from Middle English Spainish, from Spain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Spanish was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing Spanish

Rhymes for Spanish

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Browse Nearby Words

span iron
Spanish
Spanish America
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

Spanish

noun
Span·​ish ˈspan-ish How to pronounce Spanish (audio)
1
: the Romance language of Spain and of the countries colonized by Spaniards
2
Spanish plural : the people of Spain
Spanish adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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