Mediterranean

adjective

Med·​i·​ter·​ra·​nean ˌme-də-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən How to pronounce Mediterranean (audio)
-nyən
1
a
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean water
a Mediterranean port city
Mediterranean islands
b
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the peoples, lands, or cultures bordering the Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean cuisines
Mediterranean villas
the Mediterranean climate
2
mediterranean [Latin mediterraneus, from medius middle + terra land — more at terrace entry 1] : enclosed or nearly enclosed with land
It is a sea nearly as mediterranean as that which lies between Africa and Europe.Waldo Frank
3
: of or relating to a Caucasian (see caucasian sense 2) group or physical type characterized by medium or short stature, slender build, relatively long head, and dark complexion
her Mediterranean looks

Examples of Mediterranean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The estate unfurls elegantly across 28 acres of Mediterranean citrus groves and centuries old olive trees. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 16 July 2023 The Tomato Girl aesthetic is a breezy, Mediterranean vibe that’s all about alfresco lunches (preferably on a terrazzo overlooking the Amalfi coast but a picnic blanket at the park will do), linen sundresses, generally living la dolce vita — and, of course, everyone’s favorite summer produce. Emily Heil, Washington Post, 9 July 2023 Breezy dresses were perfect for the Mediterranean humidity and looked effortless, with the option to dress up or down by swapping accessories. Dominique Norman, refinery29.com, 6 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Mediterranean.' 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

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Mediterranean was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near Mediterranean

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

Mediterranean

adjective
Med·​i·​ter·​ra·​nean ˌmed-ə-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən How to pronounce Mediterranean (audio)
-ˈrā-nyən
: of or relating to the Mediterranean Sea or to the lands or peoples around it
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