Esperanto

[es-puh-rahn-toh, -ran-]

noun

1. an artificial language invented in 1887 by L. L. Zamenhof (1859–1917), a Polish physician and philologist, and intended for international use. It is based on word roots common to the major European languages.

Esperanto

/ ˌɛspəˈræntəʊ /

noun

1. an international artificial language based on words common to the chief European languages, invented in 1887

Other Word Forms

• Esperantist noun
• Esperantism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Esperanto¹

1890–95; originally pseudonym of inventor; literally, the hoping one. See esperance

Word History and Origins

Origin of Esperanto¹

C19: literally: the one who hopes, pseudonym of Dr. L. L. _Zamenhof , who invented it

Example Sentences

You can find traces of it in the world-conquering Esperanto of computer coding and in the algorithms behind artificial intelligence.

From Washington Post

But at one point, she thought she might need to supplement her French, Italian and German sources with some Esperanto.

From New York Times

When Interpol was first being planned in 1914, French was chosen as the designated language — but organizers also believed Esperanto could be a viable alternative in the future.

From Salon

A standing credit line in renminbi is the financial equivalent of fluency in Esperanto.

From Washington Post

Esperanto, the language of the future, never managed to become an official language in any country.

From New York Times