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 Here, his youth was marked by his differences— he was ridiculed for speaking Spanish during a time of anti-Latino prejudice in the ’80s, and like many LGBTQ+ kids of his era, was restricted from playing with dolls. Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Generally, these tax clinics also offer services in other languages such as Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. Adriana Morga, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 Citing inspiration from timeless Latina icons who sang in English and Spanish—namely Shakira, Christina Aguilera, and La Lupe—Uchis’ blended upbringing plays a critical role in many of her songs and music videos. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2024 What Spain needs are regulated release windows, agreed panelists at Malaga’s centerpiece industry debate on March 5, Spanish Cinema Models Examined. John Hopewell, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 Books in English and Spanish can also be purchased online at uwsd.org/raa. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 None of the officers who came were fluent in Spanish. Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2024 That was a closed-loop cemetery system: the nonnative Americans living here were perforce Spanish and Mexican, and Catholic, and often buried in mission graveyards. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Dora is known for switching between English and Spanish during the episodes therefore teaching English-speaking children about Spanish and Spanish-speaking children English. Staff Author, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Spanish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near Spanish

Cite this Entry

“Spanish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Spanish. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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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