European

1 of 2

adjective

Eu·​ro·​pe·​an ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈpē-ən How to pronounce European (audio)
-ˈpēn
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Europe or its people
Europeanness noun

European

2 of 2

noun

1
: a native or inhabitant of Europe
2
: a person of European descent

Examples of European 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.
Noun
In 2002, the European Union awarded Greek feta Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status to distinguish it from commercial pseudo-feta, which looks similar but is prepared with cow’s milk. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2025 Some citizens’ groups are campaigning against the bridge, calling it unnecessary, and environmental associations this week filed a complaint with the European Union, flagging serious environmental damage risks. — CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025 Although Akazawa has claimed that levies will be cut off at 15% rather than added on top of current rates, an executive order released last week indicated that the 15% cut off applied only to the European Union and would not be implemented for Japan. — Sakura Murakami, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025 Last year, more than 620,000 and 213 deaths were reported globally, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for European

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1555, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of European was in 1555

Phrases Containing European

Rhymes for European

See All Rhymes for European

Browse Nearby Words

Europe
European
European alder
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Cite this Entry

“European.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/European. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

European

1 of 2 adjective
Eu·​ro·​pe·​an ˌyu̇r-ə-ˈpē-ən How to pronounce European (audio)
: of or relating to Europe or its people

European

2 of 2 noun
1
: a person born or living in Europe
2
: a person of European ancestry
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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