Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Ryukyu

noun
Ryu·​kyu | \ rēˈ(y)ü(ˌ)kyü, rə̇ˈ-\

Definition of Ryukyu

: the language of the Ryukyuan people that is related to Japanese

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of Ryukyu

circa 1934, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Ryukyu

from the Ryukyu islands, southwest of Japan

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Ryukyu

Dictionary Entries near Ryukyu

rype

rytina

Rytina

Ryukyu

Ryukyu Islands

Rzeszow

s

Statistics for Ryukyu

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for Ryukyu

The first known use of Ryukyu was circa 1934

See more words from the same year

More from Merriam-Webster on Ryukyu

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with Ryukyu

Comments on Ryukyu

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

supersede

Listen to the pronounciation of supersede

to take the place or position of

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a closeup of a sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
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