1
: one of the people of Persia: such as
a
: one of the ancient Iranians who under Cyrus and his successors founded an empire in southwest Asia
b
: a member of one of the peoples forming the modern Iranian nationality
2
a
: any of several Iranian languages dominant in Persia at different periods
b
: the modern language of Iran and western Afghanistan see Indo-European Languages Table
3
: a thin soft silk formerly used especially for linings
4
Persian
adjective
Examples of Persian in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
India, which traditionally received most of its oil from the Persian Gulf, has exponentially increased cheap Russian crude since Moscow was locked out of Europe’s energy markets.
—
Daniel Depetris, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
Behind the faction that is aligning itself with Eritrea is a Tigrayan businessman based in the Persian Gulf, Dawit Gebregziabher, who has visited Asmara on several occasions.
—Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2025
Cargo ships typically pass through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, navigate Bab el-Mandeb, cross the Gulf of Aden and Strait of Hormuz, and enter the Persian Gulf—docking at Iraqi ports, such as Umm Qasr, before inland road transport to Baghdad or Erbil.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
The idea that there is only one legitimate identity in Iran—Persian, Shia, and loyal to the central government—was crystallized during his rule.
—Jila Andalib, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for Persian
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Daniel Depetris, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
Behind the faction that is aligning itself with Eritrea is a Tigrayan businessman based in the Persian Gulf, Dawit Gebregziabher, who has visited Asmara on several occasions.
—Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2025
Cargo ships typically pass through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, navigate Bab el-Mandeb, cross the Gulf of Aden and Strait of Hormuz, and enter the Persian Gulf—docking at Iraqi ports, such as Umm Qasr, before inland road transport to Baghdad or Erbil.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
The idea that there is only one legitimate identity in Iran—Persian, Shia, and loyal to the central government—was crystallized during his rule.
—Jila Andalib, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for Persian
Cite this Entry
“Persian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Persian. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Persian
noun
Per·sian
ˈpər-zhən 
1
: a native or inhabitant of ancient Persia or modern Iran
2
: the language of the Persians
Persian
adjective
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