Near Eastern

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Near East (the countries of southwestern Asia and northeastern Africa) or its people
sometimes used interchangeably with Middle Eastern, which has become the more common term
compare far eastern, middle eastern

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Near Eastern was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Near Eastern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Near%20Eastern. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Entry added
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