Ephesian

1 of 2

adjective

Ephe·​sian ə̇ˈfēzhən How to pronounce Ephesian (audio)
ēˈ-
eˈ- sometimes -zhēən
: of or belonging to Ephesus

Ephesian

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s
1
: a native or inhabitant of Ephesus
2
Ephesians plural in form but singular in construction : a letter traditionally held to have been written by Paul to the Christians in Ephesus and included as a book in the New Testament
abbreviation Eph, Ephes
see Bible Table
3
: a boon companion
it is thine host, thine Ephesian, callsShakespeare

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin Ephesius (from Greek Ephesios, from Ephesos Ephesus, ancient city of Asia Minor) + English -an

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Ephesian was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Ephesian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ephesian. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

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