Italian

1 of 2

noun

Ital·​ian ə-ˈtal-yən 

i-,

also

ˌī- 

1

a

: a native or inhabitant of Italy

b

: a person of Italian descent

2

: the Romance language of the Italians

Italian

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Italy, the Italians, or Italian

Examples of Italian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For homemade cheese ravioli and tender cuts of ribeye and filet, all served up in a landmark 19th-century space, local residents head to Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024

Nine Westfield bars and restaurants are already lined up to opt in if plans move forward, including Chiba, Something Splendid, Greek’s Pizzeria of Westfield, The Italian House, Nyla’s, Four Finger Distillery, Westfield Wine Vault, Jan’s Village Pizza and Field Brewing. —Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 11 June 2024

Adjective

But while being questioning for 53 hours by Italian police in the wake of her arrest, Knox — who didn't speak Italian fluently — had wrongly accused her boss, Congolese bar owner Patrick Lumumba, of murdering Kercher. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024

But if traversing the Italian capital doesn’t leave you with much time in the day to relax, never fear. —Juliet Izon, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Italian

• anti-Italian
• Italian American
• Italian dressing
• Italian greyhound
• Italian parsley
• Italian sandwich
• Italian sonnet
• Upper Italian

Kids Definition

Italian

noun

Ital·​ian

ə-ˈtal-yən,

i-

1

a

: a person born or living in Italy

b

: a person of Italian ancestry

2

: the Romance language of the Italians

Italian adjective