Kyiv

American  

[kee-eev, keev, kyi-yif] / ˈki iv, kiv, ˈkjɪ jɪf /

noun

1. a city in and the capital of Ukraine, on the Dnieper River.

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Etymology

Origin of Kyiv

First recorded in 1805–10 with spelling Kiev; the spelling Kyiv was first recorded in 1950–55; Kiev from Russian Kíev, Kyiv from Ukrainian Kýiv, both from Old East Slavic Kyevŭ; of uncertain origin. Traditional (folk) etymology derives the name from Kyi, one of the legendary founders of the city; another etymology suggests that the name of the city was Sarmatian (Iranian) Kiovi Kii “heights, mountains,” and that its inhabitants, a Sarmatian tribe, were called Kivi “mountaineers”

Example Sentences

My father was born in a shtetl outside Kyiv — didn’t speak Russian, spoke Yiddish.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

“Kyiv is under a furious enemy attack,” Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram, urging residents to stay in shelters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026

"During the night, the enemy once again launched a massive attack on the Kyiv region using strike drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles," Kalashnyk said on Telegram.

From Barron's • Jul. 2, 2026

He was found guilty of high treason under martial law and the illegal handling of weapons, ammunitions or explosives by the Shevchenkivskyy District Court in Kyiv.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

For starters, Kyiv had limited money for weapons and competing urgent needs, including drones for the front and air defenses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026