Ambrosian

1 of 2

adjective

Am·​bro·​sian (ˈ)am-¦brō-zh(ē-)ən How to pronounce Ambrosian (audio)
1
: of, relating to, established by, or ascribed to St. Ambrose
the Ambrosian rite
2
: characterized by the style of St. Ambrose
the Ambrosian type of hymn is written in iambic tetrameter

Ambrosian

2 of 2

noun

Am·​bro·​sian (ˈ)am-¦brō-zh(ē-)ən How to pronounce Ambrosian (audio)
plural -s
: a member of a religious order (as of the Congregation of the Brethren of St. Ambrose founded by Crivelli in Milan in 1375, of the Oblates of St. Ambrose founded by Carlo Borromeo in 1578, or of the Sisterhood of St. Ambrose founded by Catherine Morigia in 1474)

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Late Latin Ambrosianus, from St. Ambrose (Ambrosius) †397 bishop of Milan and church father + Latin -anus -an

Noun

Medieval Latin Ambrosianus, from Late Latin, of St. Ambrose

First Known Use

Adjective

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1540, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Ambrosian was circa 1540

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Cite this Entry

“Ambrosian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ambrosian. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

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