Russian

noun

Rus·​sian ˈrə-shən How to pronounce Russian (audio)
1
a
: a native or inhabitant of Russia
b
: a member of the dominant Slavic-speaking ethnic group of Russia
c
: a person of Russian descent
2
: a Slavic language of the Russian people spoken as a second language by many non-Russian ethnic groups of the Soviet Union and its successor states
Russian adjective
Russianness noun

Examples of Russian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Also in the group of 10: American high jumper Erik Kynard, who finished second to another Russian found to be doping. CBS News, 30 May 2024 The Russian network also used AI to translate articles from Russian into English and French and to turn website articles into Facebook posts. Shannon Bond, NPR, 30 May 2024 Though Oscar voters rarely reward young men, this kid’s a total find, like a Russian Timothée Chalamet. Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 29 May 2024 In 1971, the Soviet Union launched the World's first space station, Salyut, meaning salute in Russian, into space. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2024 Staff speaks Russian, Ukrainian, English, Hebrew and Spanish Aloft Fort Lauderdale Airport Opened: Dec. 2023 Rooms: 138 Location: 501 SE 24th St. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 May 2024 Simply put, seizing Russian’s assets will hardly trigger financial crises or economic disasters. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 21 May 2024 Most of the Russian Black Sea Fleet is no longer in Crimea, because Ukraine has restored control over the western Black Sea region. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 20 May 2024 After Russia withdrew from an agreement allowing Ukraine to resume some export shipments through the sea, Ukraine’s military began a campaign to drive out the Russian Navy. Andrés R. Martínez, New York Times, 17 May 2024

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

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Russian was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near Russian

Cite this Entry

“Russian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Russian. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

Russian

noun
Rus·​sian ˈrəsh-ən How to pronounce Russian (audio)
1
: a person born or living in Russia
2
: a Slavic language of the Russian people
Russian adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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