Spanish

noun

Span·​ish ˈspa-nish 

1

: the Romance language of the largest part of Spain and of the countries colonized by Spaniards

2

plural in construction : the people of Spain

Spanish adjective

Spanishness noun

Examples of Spanish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2024, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched the Talk About Dementia campaign, which included education and resources for caregiver support in English and Spanish. — Hillary Lum, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

The book braids three distinct narratives of three generations of women living in Barcelona, all named Ramona, from the late nineteenth century, through the Spanish Civil War, and into the politically tumultuous 1960s. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

As his technique grew more sophisticated, Spanish Fly became the most popular DJ at Club Expo and found himself at the vanguard of a new movement. — Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026

The Twins began the season without a player on the 26-man roster who didn’t speak at least some English, a rarity in a league where more than a quarter of players hail from Spanish-speaking countries. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, adjective, from Middle English Spainish, from Spain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Spanish

• Judeo-Spanish
• Mexican Spanish
• Spanish American
• Spanish bayonet
• Spanish chestnut
• Spanish fly
• Spanish mackerel
• Spanish moss
• Spanish needles
• Spanish omelet
• Spanish onion
• Spanish rice
• the Spanish

Rhymes for Spanish

• banish
• clannish
• mannish
• vanish

Kids Definition

Spanish

noun

Span·​ish ˈspan-ish 

1

: the Romance language of Spain and of the countries colonized by Spaniards

2

Spanish plural : the people of Spain

Spanish adjective