bosnian

British  

/ ˈbɒznɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Bosnia or its inhabitants

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Bosnia

2. the language spoken in Bosnia-Herzegovina, formerly regarded as a dialect of Serbo-Croatian

Usage

The Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian languages were regarded as dialects of Serbo-Croat before the three countries emerged as independent states in the 1990s. Some linguists still refer to a single Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BHS) language; however, the more common practice is to treat Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian as separate languages, even though they are mutually intelligible. Many Montenegrins refer to their language as 'Serbian', though there is also a movement to rename it 'Montenegrin'. The terms Serbo-Croat and Serbo-Croatian are no longer commonly used, though they are preserved in this dictionary when historically correct, such as the derivation of a word from Serbo-Croat before Bosnia separated from Yugoslavia.

Example Sentences

Bosnian groups representing victims and survivors strongly oppose the former Bosnian Serb commander's release from jail, seeing it as a "legal tactic" rather than a humanitarian request.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

While Bosnian fans lit flares from apartment windows overlooking the field, the visitors were doing exactly what was required.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Petar, a Bosnian model and creative, works at a creative agency in the fashion sector, while Lex, a Bay Area native, is a union costume designer and stylist.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

A partial repeat vote held on Sunday to choose a successor to Bosnian Serb banned president Milorad Dodik confirmed the victory of his ally, the complete results showed.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

Anne Frank’s book was a natural choice, but I was really excited to discover the book by the young Bosnian writer, who critics are hailing as a “modern-day Anne Frank.”

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers