Saracen

1 of 2

noun

Sar·​a·​cen ˈser-ə-sən How to pronounce Saracen (audio)
ˈsa-rə-sən
: a member of a nomadic people of the deserts between Syria and Arabia
broadly : arab

Saracen

2 of 2

adjective

variants or Saracenic
ˌser-ə-ˈse-nik How to pronounce Saracen (audio)
ˌsa-rə-ˈse-nik
: of or relating to the Saracen people or culture
a Saracen citadel
a Saracen warrior
Saracenic architecture/music

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin Saracenus, from Late Greek Sarakēnos

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Saracen was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near Saracen

saraband

Saracen

Saracen's comfrey

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Saracen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Saracen. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Saracen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Saracen

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