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
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Adjective
At the southern terminus of Rossmore Avenue at Wilshire Boulevard, unceremoniously sandwiched between a couple of unremarkable low-rise office buildings stand two huge stone towers embellished with flamboyant Corinthian pilasters that mark the entrance to L.A.’s first gated community. Mark David, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024 Of particular note: the intact Corinthian portico columns; the subterranean arched architecture, aqueduct and cistern system; and graffiti adorning merchant stalls believed to be more than 1,500 years old. Alex Crevar, New York Times, 11 July 2024 In 2022, the Education Department approved $5.8 billion in student loan discharges for more than half a million former Corinthian students, under the borrower defense to repayment program. Nerdwallet, The Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2024 In her remarks, Harris compared the case to one she was involved in as California attorney general against Corinthian Colleges. Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024 Built in the 1910s for attorney Charles C. Boynton and his wife, Florence Treadwell Boynton, the three-bedroom home is fronted by 16 Corinthian columns, measures about 4,000 square feet, and overlooks San Francisco Bay from his hillside perch. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024 The stone is intricately carved, researchers said, covered in plant decoration in the Corinthian style. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 19 July 2024 So how does a band choose the lead single between those two Corinthian columns of songs? Devon Ivie, Vulture, 2 Feb. 2024 It was held in Zappeion Hall, an enormous circular structure that was built in 1888 in classical style as a venue for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, with an open atrium, gleaming white Corinthian columns, and brilliantly colored frescoes and floor mosaics. Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024

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 28 Nov. 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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