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
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The Korean’s quartet of assists was one shy of the MLS single-game record set by Lionel Messi last year, and established a new high for LAFC. Josh Gross, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026 Another semester of navigating the lives and times of the student body at KISS (Korean Independent School of Seoul) is in session, and the vibes are magical. Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026 The rise of kimchi, Korean fermented vegetables, has been smoother. Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026 The Korean War lasted for three years, one month, and two days. James Powel, USA Today, 2 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Korean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Korean. Accessed 5 Apr. 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

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