Victorian

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adjective (1)

Vic·​to·​ri·​an vik-ˈtȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce Victorian (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the reign of Queen Victoria of England or the art, letters, or tastes of her time
2
: typical of the moral standards, attitudes, or conduct of the age of Victoria especially when considered stuffy, prudish, or hypocritical

Victorian

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noun (1)

1
: a person living during Queen Victoria's reign
especially : a representative figure of that time
2
: a typically large and ornate house built during Queen Victoria's reign

Victorian

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adjective (2)

: of or relating to Victoria
It looks very much like only one Victorian team will have a chance to push into the top four …Roy Ward

Victorian

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noun (2)

plural Victorians
: a native or inhabitant of Victoria

Examples of Victorian in a Sentence

Adjective (1) My parents have very Victorian attitudes when it comes to sex. a conservative Christian sect with a code of sexual morality that is often seen as quaintly Victorian by outsiders
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.
Adjective
In the lead-up to the release of her latest album Mayhem, Gaga has embraced all things black—from a Victorian velvet Colleen Allen coat-dress to a plaid Diesel runway look. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025 Zoom in: The Victorian mansion was built in 1886 as the home of businessmen Abraham Klauber before it was partitioned into apartment units. Andrew Keatts, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
Sarah Stacey Interior Design In the dining room of a 1909 Queen Anne Victorian home, Sarah Stacey Interior Design accented the space with midcentury chairs found at a local auction and an elegant sideboard. Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2025 Mumbai is also a beloved destination thanks to its eclectic mix of Gothic, Victorian, contemporary, and art deco architecture. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Victorian

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

circa 1865, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Victorian was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Victorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Victorian. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

Victorian

adjective
Vic·​to·​ri·​an
vik-ˈtōr-ē-ən,
-ˈtȯr-
: of, relating to, or typical of the reign of Queen Victoria of England or of the literature, art, and tastes of her time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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