Dutch
adjective
of, relating to, or characteristic of the natives or inhabitants of the Netherlands or their country or language.
Dutch
American
[duhch]
/ dʌtʃ /
adjective
-
of, relating to, or characteristic of the natives or inhabitants of the Netherlands or their country or language.
-
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.
-
of, relating to, or characteristic of the Pennsylvania Dutch.
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Archaic. German; Teutonic.
noun
-
Dutches
plural
-
the people of the Netherlands and their immediate descendants elsewhere, collectively.
-
Also called Netherlandic. the Germanic language of the Netherlands and northern Belgium. D, D.
-
Obsolete. the German language.
idioms
-
go Dutch, to have each person pay their own expenses: Also go dutch
a dinner where everyone goes Dutch.
-
in Dutch, in trouble or disfavor (with someone).
in Dutch with the teacher for disturbing the class.
Dutch
1
British
/ dʌtʃ /
noun
-
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
-
(functioning as plural) the natives, citizens, or inhabitants of the Netherlands
-
See double Dutch
-
slang in trouble
adjective
adverb
dutch
2
British
/ dʌtʃ /
noun
Dutch
More Idioms
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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
In 1930, Dutch physicist Frits Zernike realized that light passing through biological material changes in more ways than simply becoming brighter or dimmer.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 22, 2026
Randstad shares jumped after the Dutch staffing company reported third-quarter results that beat expectations at the top and bottom lines and flagged an improvement in trends this month.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026
The Dutch defender went in strongly and over the top of the ball, though contact on the opponent was with his trailing leg.
From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said he had discussed Starlink on Thursday with Macron, and "how we, as Europeans, can provide more of these kinds of services in the not too distant future".
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
“We are making arrangements for a series of simultaneous exhibitions and matches for early next year. We are also considering an exhibition match where Bobby would play the entire Dutch Olympic team simultaneously.”
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
In the past, unboxing videos have shown fans receiving at least five items, including dutch ovens and casserole dishes, making the box a huge steal.
From Salon ● Sep. 23, 2025
And then the “von dutch brat coconut tree edit” tweet hit—a collection of Harris sound bites, set to a Charli XCX song, with flashes of the signature neon green of the Brat album.
From Slate ● Jul. 23, 2024
In the pop star’s 2020 documentary “Miss Americana,” she whipped up some pasta sauce in the brand’s blue dutch oven.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 10, 2024
Typically made of enameled cast iron or stainless steel, dutch ovens heat quickly and maintain temperature effectively, making it an ideal vessel for searing and browning.
From Salon ● Mar. 12, 2023
Kids in a nearby park jumped double dutch in the air, almost floating off.
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
I detest that name, My mother was a Dutches of true fame; And now I thinke upon her, when she died I was ordain'd to be indignified.
From A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 4 by A. H. (Arthur Henry) Bullen
Bring forth the prisoners: wher's my beauteous Dutches That she may see the ruine of her foes?
From A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 4 by A. H. (Arthur Henry) Bullen
Which knife was brought over into England by Captaine Buckestone, and by him delivered unto the Dutches of Buckingham her Grace on Monday night last.’
From The Pictorial Press Its Origin and Progress by Mason Jackson
By his Lady he hes a claime to the estate of Baccleuch, failzeing of aires of this present Dutches hir body, tho the King hes somewhat inverted the straight succession heir.
From Publications of the Scottish History Society, Volume 36 Journals of Sir John Lauder Lord Fountainhall with His Observations on Public Affairs and Other Memoranda 1665-1676 by Lord John Lauder Fountainhall
The next morning as he was abed with his Dutches at Bath he told her of it, and sent Dr. Charleton to me for them, to shew her as a rarity.
From The Natural History of Wiltshire by John Aubrey
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