Dutch

American  

[duhch] / dʌtʃ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the natives or inhabitants of the Netherlands or their country or language.

2. pertaining to or designating the style of painting and subject matter developed in the Netherlands during the 17th century, chiefly characterized by the use of chiaroscuro, muted tones, naturalistic colors or forms, and of genre, landscape, or still-life subjects drawn from contemporary urban and rural life.

3. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Pennsylvania Dutch.

4. Archaic. German; Teutonic.

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noun

1. the people of the Netherlands and their immediate descendants elsewhere, collectively.

2. Pennsylvania Dutch.

3. Also called Netherlandic.  the Germanic language of the Netherlands and northern Belgium. D, D.

4. Obsolete. the German language.

idioms

1. go Dutch, to have each person pay their own expenses: Also go dutch

   a dinner where everyone goes Dutch.

2. in Dutch, in trouble or disfavor (with someone).

   in Dutch with the teacher for disturbing the class.

Dutch ¹ British  

/ dʌtʃ /

noun

1. the language of the Netherlands, belonging to the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family and quite closely related to German and English See also Flemish Afrikaans

2. (functioning as plural) the natives, citizens, or inhabitants of the Netherlands

3. See Pennsylvania Dutch

4. See double Dutch

5. slang in trouble

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Netherlands, its inhabitants, or their language

adverb

1. informal to share expenses equally

dutch ² British  

/ dʌtʃ /

noun

1. slang wife

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Dutch More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing Dutch

• beat all (the Dutch)
• double Dutch
• in Dutch

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Sensitive Note

The idioms go Dutch (related to Dutch treat ) and in Dutch (which uses Dutch to mean “trouble”) are both sometimes perceived as insulting to or by the Dutch. In addition, the adjective Dutch is found in a few other set phrases ( Dutch courage, Dutch gold, and Dutch uncle ) in which it implies that something Dutch is not authentic. Although insulting a particular person or nationality may be unintentional, it is best to be aware that use of these terms is sometimes perceived as offensive to or by the Dutch.

Other Word Forms

• pre-Dutch adjective
• pseudo-Dutch adjective

Etymology

Origin of Dutch

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English Duch, from Middle Dutch duutsch “Dutch, German(ic),” Old High German diutisc “popular, vulgar (language)” (as opposed to learned Latin), translation of Latin (lingua) vulgāris “popular (language)”

Example Sentences

In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil and sear the ribs evenly, making sure they’re nice and brown on all sides, before transferring them to a plate.

From Salon

Translated from the Dutch by Michele Hutchison, “Snow Fox” follows Rana, an arctic fox who lives in the remote northern reaches of Svalbard, Norway.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans, who chaired the two-day meeting, told AFP that the IEA has the task to provide governments "with all scenarios" -- including net zero -- so they can make informed decisions.

From Barron's

Ten Doeschate, a former Dutch international, said, "I think he's well aware of how good a player he is, and I think he understands that a small run of form like this can happen."

From Barron's

The traditional split-pea soup and vegetable mash have been staples of the Dutch diet for decades, served at winter markets or enjoyed by families after a long day of skating.

From Barron's