Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Italianism

noun Ital·ian·ism \ ə-ˈtal-yə-ˌni-zəm , i- also ī- \

Definition of Italianism

1 a : a quality characteristic of Italy or the Italian people
b : a characteristic feature of Italian occurring in another language
2 a : specialized interest in or emulation of Italian qualities or achievements
b : promotion or love of Italian policies or ideals

First Known Use of italianism

1594

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up Italianism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games