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.
The 17-year-old South Korean is a mentee of Chloe Kim—and beat out Kim to win. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026 Growing up in a home of mixed cultures—African American and Korean—there was such a focus on gatherings, entertaining family, and traditions. Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026 And while tensions on the Korean Peninsula often capture global headlines, these issues rarely affect daily life in Seoul. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026 Specialties here are bibimbap, loco moco and Korean Benedict with shortribs and kimchi fried rice. Laura Ness, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Korean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Korean. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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
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