Corinthian

1 of 2

noun

Co·​rin·​thi·​an kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən How to pronounce Corinthian (audio)
1
: a native or resident of Corinth, Greece
2
: a merry profligate man

Corinthian

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth or Corinthians
2
: of or relating to the lightest and most ornate of the three ancient Greek architectural orders distinguished especially by its large capitals decorated with carved acanthus leaves see order illustration

Examples of Corinthian 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.
Adjective
Past a circular motor court, a host of elegant design features present themselves, from its stone and limestone facade, where a towering arched doorway tucked into a portico embellished with Corinthian columns makes for a grand entrance to the home, to its mansard roof. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025 The aesthetic speaks to the locale’s history, and the 1,660-square-foot Corinthian Cottage — ideal for long-term or private stays — spreads it out over two stories with two king bedrooms, a fireplace, soaking tub, kitchenette, and terrace. Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Why even bother with the Corinthian coral? Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025 As depicted, the ballroom is set to include gold chandeliers, an ornate coffered ceiling, Greek Corinthian columns and tall, arched windows to each wall. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 31 July 2025 There are four front steps bracketed by two huge urns, half a dozen Corinthian columns, and six life-size maidens, possible goddesses. Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 All that remains of this once-sprawling antebellum mansion are 23 Corinthian columns, rising unexpectedly from the forest. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Corinthian was in 1520

Cite this Entry

“Corinthian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Corinthian. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

Corinthian

adjective
Co·​rin·​thi·​an
kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən
: of or relating to a style of Greek architecture characterized by a bell-shaped capital covered with sculptured leaves
Etymology

Adjective

named for Corinth, region and city in ancient Greece

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