Pennsylvania Dutch

noun

Penn·​syl·​va·​nia Dutch ˌpen(t)-səl-ˈvā-nyə- How to pronounce Pennsylvania Dutch (audio)
-nē-ə-
1
: a people originally of eastern Pennsylvania whose characteristic cultural traditions go back to the German migrations of the 18th century
2
: a dialect of German spoken mainly in Amish communities especially in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana
Pennsylvania Dutchman noun

Examples of Pennsylvania Dutch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An official interpreter leans down to listen to Uni’s supposed prediction, and delivers the prediction in Pennsylvania Dutch. Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 7 Nov. 2024 Having grown up both Pennsylvania Dutch and Mennonite, Groff depicts one of the oldest folk magic practices in America: Braucherei, as it is called by the Pennsylvania Dutch, is a prayer and healing ritual intended to banish demons. Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2024 The train, located in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating railroad in the nation, with its first rides departing in 1832, taking travelers through the breathtaking scenery in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2024 Descendants of German-speaking emigrants who settled in the Pennsylvania area—the Pennsylvania Dutch—are believed to be the creators of the pickled beet egg. Kate Ramos, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2024 Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting the weather at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney since 1887, in an annual event derived from the Christian holiday Candlemas Day and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2024 The holiday evolved over centuries as it was observed by different groups, from the Celts to Germans to the Pennsylvania Dutch and eventually, by those in other parts of the US. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2024 Inside the white farmhouse, Eli, his tongue thick with a Pennsylvania Dutch accent, explained that his father was an Amish deacon who led services every other week. Rachel Yoder, Harper's Magazine, 9 June 2023 Certainly, with my Mother’s parents both growing up in the shadow of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Pennsylvania Dutch was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near Pennsylvania Dutch

Cite this Entry

“Pennsylvania Dutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pennsylvania%20Dutch. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

Pennsylvania Dutch

noun
Penn·​syl·​va·​nia Dutch ˌpen(t)-səl-ˌvā-nyə- How to pronounce Pennsylvania Dutch (audio)
-nē-ə-
1
: a people living mostly in eastern Pennsylvania whose culture goes back to the German migrations of the 18th century
2
: the German dialect of the Pennsylvania Dutch
Pennsylvania Dutchman noun

More from Merriam-Webster on Pennsylvania Dutch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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