1
: an extinct Semitic language of ancient Mesopotamia
2
: a Semitic inhabitant of central Mesopotamia before 2000 b.c.
Akkadian adjective

Examples of Akkadian 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.
Cylinder seals from the Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia, circa 2200 BC, depict, over and over again, men wrestling. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 21 May 2026 The inscription was written in Akkadian and dates back 2,700 years, according to officials. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2025 These clay records are incredibly detailed, showing fierce governmental oversight by the Akkadian Empire. — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025 The Akkadian Empire formed 4,300 years ago, when Sargon the Great consolidated the city-states of ancient Mesopotamia under his rule. — Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 11 Feb. 2025 Among these languages are Sumerian and Akkadian, both dating back at least 4,600 years. — Lucy Tu, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Akkad, Babylonia

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Akkadian was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Akkadian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Akkadian. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

Akkadian

noun
1
: an extinct Semitic language of ancient Mesopotamia
2
: a member of a Semitic people living in Mesopotamia before 2000 b.c.
Akkadian adjective
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