Pennsylvania Dutch

noun

Penn·​syl·​va·​nia Dutch ˌpen(t)-səl-ˈvā-nyə- How to pronounce Pennsylvania Dutch (audio)
-nē-ə-
1
: a people originally of eastern Pennsylvania whose characteristic cultural traditions go back to the German migrations of the 18th century
2
: a dialect of German spoken mainly in Amish communities especially in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana
Pennsylvania Dutchman noun

Examples of Pennsylvania Dutch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting the weather at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney since 1887, in an annual event derived from the Christian holiday Candlemas Day and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2024 The holiday evolved over centuries as it was observed by different groups, from the Celts to Germans to the Pennsylvania Dutch and eventually, by those in other parts of the US. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2024 Inside the white farmhouse, Eli, his tongue thick with a Pennsylvania Dutch accent, explained that his father was an Amish deacon who led services every other week. Rachel Yoder, Harper's Magazine, 9 June 2023 Certainly, with my Mother’s parents both growing up in the shadow of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2023 In my family, there was often sauerkraut, per the custom of the Pennsylvania Dutch and others. Emily Heil, Washington Post, 29 Dec. 2022 Belsnickel may have originated around the Middle Ages and is now well known across Pennsylvania, thanks to German immigrants who moved to the area, known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2022 Saffron Walden, a village in Essex, England, was a medieval center of production; the 19th-century Pennsylvania Dutch, too, were known for their saffron. Jane Black, WSJ, 16 Mar. 2022 No trip to Lancaster County is complete without enjoying a scenic horse and buggy ride around the Pennsylvania Dutch Country passing by the Amish schools, farmlands and shops. Roger Sands, Forbes, 1 Sep. 2021

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

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Pennsylvania Dutch was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near Pennsylvania Dutch

Cite this Entry

“Pennsylvania Dutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pennsylvania%20Dutch. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Pennsylvania Dutch

noun
Penn·​syl·​va·​nia Dutch ˌpen(t)-səl-ˌvā-nyə- How to pronounce Pennsylvania Dutch (audio)
-nē-ə-
1
: a people living mostly in eastern Pennsylvania whose culture goes back to the German migrations of the 18th century
2
: the German dialect of the Pennsylvania Dutch
Pennsylvania Dutchman noun

More from Merriam-Webster on Pennsylvania Dutch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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