hetman

noun

het·​man ˈhet-mən How to pronounce hetman (audio)
plural hetmans
: a Cossack leader

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Ivan Mazeppa, the principal hetman, or top commander, of the Cossacks and one of Ukraine’s national heroes. Michael Medved, WSJ, 13 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hetman.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Ukrainian het'man

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hetman was in 1710

Dictionary Entries Near hetman

Cite this Entry

“Hetman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hetman. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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