Spanish

noun

Span·​ish ˈspa-nish 

1

: the Romance language of the largest part of Spain and of the countries colonized by Spaniards

2

plural in construction : the people of Spain

Spanish adjective

Spanishness noun

Examples of Spanish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This article was translated and adapted from Spanish by John Newton. —José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026

At the start of the press conference, workers walked in a procession near the podium while holding plants and signs in Spanish. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2026

The company offers bilingual customer service, allowing Spanish-speaking taxpayers to communicate with tax professionals in their preferred language throughout the tax relief process. —Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026

At a time when many of us are wary of simply speaking Spanish in public, Benito showcased triumph and joy without compromising the authenticity and specificity of the Puerto Rican experience. —Lara N. Dotson-Renta, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, adjective, from Middle English Spainish, from Spain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Spanish

• Judeo-Spanish
• Mexican Spanish
• Spanish American
• Spanish bayonet
• Spanish chestnut
• Spanish fly
• Spanish mackerel
• Spanish moss
• Spanish needles
• Spanish omelet
• Spanish onion
• Spanish rice
• the Spanish

Rhymes for Spanish

• banish
• clannish
• mannish
• vanish

Kids Definition

Spanish

noun

Span·​ish ˈspan-ish 

1

: the Romance language of Spain and of the countries colonized by Spaniards

2

Spanish plural : the people of Spain

Spanish adjective