Basque

noun

ˈbask  ˈbäsk 

1

: a member of a people inhabiting the western Pyrenees on the Bay of Biscay

2

: the language of the Basques of unknown relationship

3

not capitalized : a tight-fitting bodice for women

Basque adjective

Examples of Basque in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Basque missed Saturday’s frustrating 1-1 draw to Real Betis because of a minor injury picked up in the Copa del Rey semifinals showdown with Atletico Madrid, which set up a thrilling final versus Real Madrid. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Scientists at Spain's University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) have identified a link between marathon running and a sharp reduction in the protective myelin that surrounds nerve fibers – axons – in the brain. —New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2025

Castilian Spanish is spoken by the majority of Spaniards, but some autonomous regions have their own official language (Catalan in Catalonia, for example, and Basque, or Euskara, in the Basque Country). —Cnn.com, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025

Euskal Non-League Day’s growing success The Basque Country movement was started in 2010 by James Doe and has now been backed by Athletic Club’s foundation for the third year in a row. —Sam Leveridge, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, ultimately from Latin Vasco member of a group of ancient peoples inhabiting the present Basque country

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Basque

• ask
• bask
• cask
• casque
• flask
• mask
• masque
• pasch
• task
• subtask
• unmask