Italian — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Pertaining to Italy.

   Examples

   Italian borders

2. Pertaining to its people or their cultures.

   Broader terms

   European

   Examples

   Italian cuisines

3. Pertaining to their language.

   Broader terms

   Indo-European

   Examples

   Italian verbs

4. Using an italic style; italic.

   Usage

   • not-comparable
   • Obsolete

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   It has been shown that there was a great disposition on the part of some German printers, especially Albert Durer, to adopt the rounded Italian type; others preferring the crisp angularity of the Gothic black-letter, even for general purposes; while for books of devotion it appears to have been deemed the more orthodox; the Italian style of type being deemed an innovation.

Noun

1. A person from Italy or of Italian descent.

   Usage

   • Countable

   Examples

   A tour group of Italians is visiting Westminster Cathedral today.

   More examples (1)

   As Di Matteo celebrated and captain John Terry raised the trophy for the fourth time, the Italian increased his claims to become the permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas by landing a trophy.

2. A style of cuisine or individual dishes of or associated with Italy or Italian people.

   Usage

   • Uncountable

   Examples

   A: What's for dinner tonight? B: I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some Italian tonight!

   Simple Cannoli, Lemon Ice, or a delicious Tira Mi Su. With so many wonderful recipes, you can eat Italian anytime.

Proper noun

1. The official language of Italy, also spoken in San Marino, the Vatican, and parts of Argentina, Slovenia and Switzerland; various varieties (dialects) exist.

   Related words

   Wiktionary’s coverage of Italian terms

   Examples

   The tour group asked their questions in Italian, and their tour guide translated.

   In Occitan a stroll, una passejada, is close to the Italian passeggiata, and a reminder of what a public business it is to amble these streets.

Adjective

1. of or pertaining to or characteristic of Italy or its people or culture or language

   Examples

   Italian cooking

Noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Italy

   Broader terms

   European

2. the Romance language spoken in Italy

   Synonyms

   Italian language

   Broader terms

   RomanceRomance languageLatinian language