Basque

[ bask ]

/ bæsk /

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noun

one of a people of unknown origin inhabiting the western Pyrenees regions in France and Spain.

their language, not known to be related to any other language.

(lowercase) a close-fitting bodice, sometimes having an extension that covers the hips.

(lowercase) the extension of this bodice or of a doublet.

adjective

of or relating to the Basques or their language.

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TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

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showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

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Words nearby Basque

basophilism, basosquamous carcinoma, Basotho, Basotho-Qwaqwa, Basov, Basque, Basque Provinces, Basque Region, Basque shirt, Basra, bas-relief

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use Basque in a sentence

Afterward, get in line for a sandwich or a loaf of bread, originally from a Basque sheepherder’s recipe, at Schat’s Bakkery in Bishop.
The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to California’s Highway 395|eriley|October 10, 2021|Outside Online
Other petitions are currently circulating in a bid to add Basque and Galician to the platform, regional languages that are particular to Spain.
The Twitch Renaissance|Emma Foster|July 15, 2021|Ozy
Six bucks more gets you the firm anchovies from Santona, Spain’s Basque region.
José Andrés brings Spanish comfort food — including a lot of eggs — to Bethesda|Tom Sietsema|July 9, 2021|Washington Post
Then cleanse your palate with a crisp, low-alcohol cider from Basque country in Spain.
An unexpected merlot from Tuscany surprises with complex flavors — and a $15 price tag|Dave McIntyre|February 26, 2021|Washington Post

Myint was the first American to win the Basque Culinary World Prize last summer, a prestigious €100,000 award given to the chef who has made the year’s greatest social impact through food.
This restaurant duo want a zero-carbon food system. Can it happen?|Bobbie Johnson|September 24, 2020|MIT Technology Review
Late in the afternoon of April 26, 1937 waves of bombers obliterated the ancient capital of Basque Spain, Guernica.
Life Under Air Strikes: Children Under Fire Will Never Forget — or Forgive|Clive Irving|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Hemingway and his first wife Hadley went from the Basque country to Pamplona over the Pyrenees by bus.
Is This Hemingway’s Pamplona or a Lot of Bull?|Clive Irving|July 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As we pulled back the sheets the bed was full of confetti in the Basque colors, red, white and green.
Is This Hemingway’s Pamplona or a Lot of Bull?|Clive Irving|July 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We were headed to the small port of St-Jean-de-Luz in the Basque country near the Spanish border.
Is This Hemingway’s Pamplona or a Lot of Bull?|Clive Irving|July 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Aznar jumped to conclusions, quickly blaming Basque separatist organization ETA for the al Qaeda attack.
French Police Mount a Massive Manhunt for Killer of 3 Children, Teacher|Tracy McNicoll|March 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Then came the escape of Don Carlos, and his placing himself at the head of the insurgents in the Basque provinces.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
Thus, in a Basque tale the lad is set to find a ring lost by the ogre in a river.
The Science of Fairy Tales|Edwin Sidney Hartland
The younger boys wore broad, turn-down collars and had short, square jackets made somewhat in the Basque fashion.
The Secret Glory|Arthur Machen
With this idea he went to the Basque and said: "If I were to enter there and go on foot up to the bulwark would you follow me?"
The Life of Joan of Arc, Vol. 1 and 2 (of 2)|Anatole France
Thinking it was in danger, she hastened to rescue it and came up with the Basque just as he was going down into the ditch.
The Life of Joan of Arc, Vol. 1 and 2 (of 2)|Anatole France

British Dictionary definitions for Basque (1 of 2)

basque

/ (bæsk, bɑːsk) /

noun

a short extension below the waist to the bodice of a woman's jacket, etc

a tight-fitting bodice for women

Word Origin for basque

C19: perhaps from Basque

British Dictionary definitions for Basque (2 of 2)

Basque

/ (bæsk, bɑːsk) /

noun

a member of a people of unknown origin living around the W Pyrenees in France and Spain

the language of this people, of no known relationship with any other language

adjective

relating to, denoting, or characteristic of this people or their language

Word Origin for Basque

C19: from French, from Latin Vascō a Basque

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012