Philadelphian

1 of 2

adjective

Phil·​a·​del·​phian -fyən How to pronounce Philadelphian (audio)
-fēən
1
: of or relating to the Philadelphian Society of Boehmenists
2
[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania + English -an] : of or from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania : of the kind or style prevalent in Philadelphia
18th-century Philadelphian architecture

Philadelphian

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s
1
: a member of the Philadelphian Society founded in London in 1670 as a sect of Boehmenism
2
[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania + English -an] : a native or resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek philadelphia brotherly love (from philadelphos brotherly—from phil- + adelphos brother—+ -ia -y) + English -an

Noun

Greek philadelphia brotherly love + English -an

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Cite this Entry

“Philadelphian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Philadelphian. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.

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