Hittite

noun

Hit·​tite ˈhi-ˌtīt How to pronounce Hittite (audio)
1
: a member of a conquering people in Asia Minor and Syria with an empire in the second millennium b.c.
2
: the extinct Indo-European language of the Hittites see Indo-European Languages Table
Hittite adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Along with Egypt and Babylonia, the Hittite Empire was one of the major powers of the eastern Mediterranean and Near East during the late Bronze Age. Humberto Basilio, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Hittite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew Ḥittī, from Hittite ḫatti

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hittite was in 1608

Dictionary Entries Near Hittite

Cite this Entry

“Hittite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hittite. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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