Korean

noun

Ko·​re·​an kə-ˈrē-ən How to pronounce Korean (audio)
especially Southern (ˌ)kō-
1
: a native or inhabitant of Korea
2
: the language of the Korean people
Korean adjective

Examples of Korean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These developments come as tensions on the Korean Peninsula continue to rise. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025 But Pyongyang itself is responsible for heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025 Medicube Korean Viral Glass Skin Mask Duo Korean beauty fans will recognize Medicube as a skin-care powerhouse, and the Pore & Glow K-Viral Mask Set delivers exactly what its name promises. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 Dec. 2025 The former lies between the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese archipelago, and the latter links the East China Sea with the Philippine Sea. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Korean

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Korean was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Korean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Korean. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

Korean

noun
Ko·​re·​an kə-ˈrē-ən How to pronounce Korean (audio)
1
: a person born or living in Korea
2
: the language of the Korean people
Korean adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Korean

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!