Mediterranean

American  

[med-i-tuh-rey-nee-uhn] / ˌmɛd ɪ təˈreɪ ni ən /

noun

1. Mediterranean Sea.

2. a person whose physical characteristics are considered typical of the peoples native to or inhabiting the Mediterranean area.

3. Informal. the, the islands and countries of the Mediterranean Sea collectively.

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adjective

1. pertaining to, situated on or near, or dwelling about the Mediterranean Sea.

2. pertaining to or characteristic of the peoples native to the lands along or near the Mediterranean Sea.

3. surrounded or nearly surrounded by land.

Mediterranean British  

/ ˌmɛdɪtəˈreɪnɪən /

noun

1. short for the Mediterranean Sea

2. a native or inhabitant of a Mediterranean country

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adjective

1. of, relating to, situated or dwelling on or near the Mediterranean Sea

2. denoting a postulated subdivision of the Caucasoid race, characterized by slender build and dark complexion

3. meteorol (of a climate) characterized by hot summers and relatively warm winters when most of the annual rainfall occurs

4. obsolete (often not capital) situated in the middle of a landmass; inland

Other Word Forms

• non-Mediterranean
  noun
• trans-Mediterranean
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Mediterranean

1585–95; < Latin mediterrāne ( us ) midland, inland ( see medium, terra, -an, -eous) + -an

Example Sentences

The cruise line said that booking trends during the recent quarter were most disrupted across Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

Carnival CFO David Bernstein said in the company’s earnings press release that booking volume “headwinds” in the Mediterranean region, associated with the conflict in the Middle East, were beginning to reverse.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

This could help explain why eating patterns rich in monounsaturated fats, including the Mediterranean diet, are consistently linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

From Science Daily • Jun. 22, 2026

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has said a minehunter currently in the Mediterranean will take part in mine-clearing operations once it becomes clear that fighting has ended.

From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026

She lives in Kiryat Haim, a beautiful town on the Mediterranean, north of Haifa.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson