Corinthian

1 of 2

noun

Co·​rin·​thi·​an kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən How to pronounce Corinthian (audio)
1
: a native or resident of Corinth, Greece
2
: a merry profligate man

Corinthian

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth or Corinthians
2
: of or relating to the lightest and most ornate of the three ancient Greek architectural orders distinguished especially by its large capitals decorated with carved acanthus leaves see order illustration

Examples of Corinthian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The sheets are Frette and the tableware is from Richard Ginori, just like theirs, while fragments of millenniums-old sculptures and carved Corinthian columns from their private collection are placed almost haphazardly throughout the property. Laura May Todd, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2024 The avenue has several off-street courtyards for wandering amid Santorini-style white stucco buildings with tiled walkways, Corinthian arches and fountains. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2024 Set in an 18th-century building surrounded by antique shops and art galleries, the new storefront is framed by a stone facade with faux Corinthian columns. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2023 The building, with its Neoclassical Revival-style, Corinthian columns and visual landmark central dome, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Gabriel San Román, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2023 The property features soaring ceilings, many large windows that fill each room with natural light, as well as exquisite crown molding, ceiling medallions, chandeliers, Corinthian columns, and a marble fireplace. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 16 Nov. 2023 In a former boat repair workshop in Venice, down a narrow alley just off the Grand Canal dead-ending at the water’s edge, hides a space now used as a painting studio with Corinthian columns and skylights overhead. Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2023 The four Corinthian columns on Madison Avenue’s landmarked Appellate Division Courthouse are thicker than the oldest trees in the park. Audrey Wachs, Curbed, 9 Aug. 2023 Bedrock also cleaned the tower's once-grimy limestone facade and green copper roof, and restored numerous exterior ornaments, including decorative cornices, Corinthian columns and a dozen female sculptures. Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 8 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Corinthian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Corinthian was in 1520

Dictionary Entries Near Corinthian

Cite this Entry

“Corinthian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Corinthian. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Corinthian

adjective
Co·​rin·​thi·​an
kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən
: of or relating to a style of Greek architecture characterized by a bell-shaped capital covered with sculptured leaves
Etymology

Adjective

named for Corinth, region and city in ancient Greece

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