Athenian

American  

[uh-thee-nee-uhn] / əˈθi ni ən /

adjective

1. pertaining to Athens, Greece.

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noun

1. a native or citizen of Athens, Greece.

Athenian British  

/ əˈθiːnɪən /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Athens

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adjective

1. of or relating to Athens

Other Word Forms

• anti-Athenian adjective
• pro-Athenian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Athenian

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin Athēni(ēnsis) “of Athens” + -an; -ensis

Example Sentences

Despite the Athenian democracy’s commitment to free and equal speech, Socrates was found guilty and sentenced to death.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Instead, it closely matches Phrygians, a lesser known tragedy written by the Athenian playwright Aeschylus.

From Science Daily • Feb. 13, 2026

The frigate Kimon is named after a 5th century BCE Athenian admiral, who was the son of the victorious general at the Battle of Marathon, Miltiadis.

From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026

The warship's welcoming ceremony outside the naval base of Salamis included a copy of an ancient Athenian trireme and the Georgios Averof, a historic cruiser that fought in the Balkan Wars.

From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026

But although the way lay clear to the victorious Athenian Army, Theseus held them back.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton