Korean

noun

Ko·​re·​an kə-ˈrē-ən How to pronounce Korean (audio)
especially Southern (ˌ)kō-
1
: a native or inhabitant of Korea
2
: the language of the Korean people
Korean adjective

Examples of Korean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The April 25 Film Studio was founded in the years following the Korean War and has long specialized in nationalist epics and revolutionary dramas. Will Ripley, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026 Holloway followed that setback with wins over Arnold Allen, the Korean Zombie, and Justin Gaethje. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 Park's swearing-in ceremony coincided with a proclamation recognizing the 123rd anniversary of Korean American Day, which will also be celebrated at the state capitol. Monique John, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026 The 4th Annual Lunar Block Party celebrates Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese cultures with live cultural performances, food truck offerings and more. Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Korean

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Korean was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Korean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Korean. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

Korean

noun
Ko·​re·​an kə-ˈrē-ən How to pronounce Korean (audio)
1
: a person born or living in Korea
2
: the language of the Korean people
Korean adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Korean

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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