Corinthian

1 of 2

noun

Co·​rin·​thi·​an kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən 

1

: a native or resident of Corinth, Greece

2

: a merry profligate man

Corinthian

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth or Corinthians

2

: of or relating to the lightest and most ornate of the three ancient Greek architectural orders distinguished especially by its large capitals decorated with carved acanthus leaves see order illustration

Examples of Corinthian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Trump spent more than 20 minutes discussing White House construction and renovation projects, including the ballroom's Corinthian columns, marble flooring and the helipad, before turning to the election results during questions from reporters. — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026

The Lobby serves Hong Kong’s most famous afternoon tea between Corinthian columns. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Eudora’s outline is visibly backlit by a low late afternoon sun as her shadow is cast across the patchy grass of a pathway that leads to a ruin of Corinthian columns. — Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026

In a historic district near Kendall Lake Park, this 1885 five-bedroom has twin chimneys and a porte cochere supported by Corinthian columns. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Corinthian

adjective

Co·​rin·​thi·​an

kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən

: of or relating to a style of Greek architecture characterized by a bell-shaped capital covered with sculptured leaves

Etymology

Adjective

named for Corinth, region and city in ancient Greece