European

American  

[yoor-uh-pee-uhn, yur-] / ˌyʊər əˈpi ən, ˌyɜr- /

adjective

1. of or relating to Europe or its inhabitants.

2. native to or derived from Europe.

   traditional European customs; European languages.

---

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Europe.

2. a person of European descent.

3. (in East Africa and Asia) a white person; Caucasian.

European British  

/ ˌjʊərəˈpɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Europe or its inhabitants

2. native to or derived from Europe

---

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Europe

2. a person of European descent

3. a supporter of the European Union or of political union of the countries of Europe or a part of it

Other Word Forms

• Europeanism noun
• Europeanly adverb
• anti-European adjective
• inter-European adjective
• non-European adjective
• pro-European adjective
• pseudo-European adjective
• un-European adjective

Etymology

Origin of European

1595–1605; < Latin Eurōpae(us) ( Europe, -eous ) + -an

Example Sentences

How we understand that convergence of interests, in a remote and landlocked Eastern European country that most Americans couldn’t find on the map with multiple guesses, is quite another matter.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

Nerveless Henry Slade kicked a 79th-minute penalty against Benetton to secure Exeter a European Challenge Cup semi-final place.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

If the answer is "no" then the European Sport Stacking Championships are probably not for you.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

European allies also sent soldiers to show they were willing to help defend Greenland.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

They could rename it, but no amount of European influence could dim the legendary eruptions.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone