texas

noun

tex·as ˈtek-səs

-siz

: a structure on the awning deck of a steamer that contains the officers' cabins and has the pilothouse in front or on top

Word History

Etymology

Texas, state of U.S.; from the naming of cabins on Mississippi steamboats after states, the officers' cabins being the largest

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of texas was in 1857

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Texas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/texas. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Geographical Definition

Texas

geographical name

Tex·as ˈtek-səs

-siz

state in the southern U.S. bordering on Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico; capital Austin area 266,807 square miles (691,030 square kilometers), population 25,145,561

Texan

ˈtek-sən

adjective or noun

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