Columbus

biographical name

Co·lum·bus kə-ˈləm-bəs

Christopher or Italian Cristoforo Colombo kə-ˈləm-(ˌ)bō

or Spanish Cristóbal Colón kə-ˈlōn

1451–1506 Genoese navigator and explorer for Spain

Cite this Entry

Style

“Columbus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Columbus. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

foible

Listen to the pronunciation of foible

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

Cattywampus, Taradiddle, and More Funny-Sounding Words

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

Popular

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

Strange Words for Body Functions