Columbian

1 of 2

adjective

Co·​lum·​bi·​an kə-ˈləm-bē-ən How to pronounce Columbian (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to the United States
b
: of or relating to Christopher Columbus
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Columbia or the Columbia River

Columbian

2 of 2

noun

plural Columbians
: a native or inhabitant of Columbia

Examples of Columbian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Its colorful back story includes building a makeshift branch that handled the banking needs of vendors and attendees at the Columbian Exposition after the bank hired to do the job failed a week after the 1893 World’s Fair opened. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 For example, Columbian Elementary, which closed this year and was on the clock, is based in northwest Denver, where gentrification and high housing costs have reduced the number of children living in the region. Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 23 June 2025 Snowfall: None 1893: Visitors to the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago got to ride the debut of the first Ferris wheel, which was designed by George W. Ferris. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025 George, born in 1875, was the daughter of British Columbian Nooksack tribal leader Matsqui George and his wife, Maria Siamat. Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Columbian

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1757, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Columbian was in 1757

Cite this Entry

“Columbian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Columbian. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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