Bessarabian

1 of 2

adjective

Bes·​sa·​ra·​bi·​an ¦be-sə-¦rā-bē-ən How to pronounce Bessarabian (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Bessarabia
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Bessarabians

Bessarabian

2 of 2

noun

Bes·​sa·​ra·​bi·​an ¦be-sə-¦rā-bē-ən How to pronounce Bessarabian (audio)
plural -s
: a native or inhabitant of Bessarabia

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Bessarabia, region of southeastern Europe + English -an

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Cite this Entry

“Bessarabia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bessarabia. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Geographical Definition

Bessarabia

geographical name

Bes·​sa·​ra·​bia ˌbe-sə-ˈrā-bē-ə How to pronounce Bessarabia (audio)
region of southeastern Europe between the Dniester and Prut rivers extending from the Black Sea north to Poland; now mostly in Moldova
Bessarabian adjective or noun

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