Dictionary.com

español

[ es-pah-nyawl ]
/ ɛs pɑˈnyɔl /
Spanish.
Save This Word!
noun, plural es·pa·ño·les [es-pah-nyaw-les] /ɛs pɑˈnyɔ lɛs/ for 2.
the Spanish language.
a native or inhabitant of Spain.
adjective
of or relating to Spain, the Spanish people, or the Spanish language.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
candystring
candyfloss
candypuff
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of español

First recorded in 1850–55; from Spanish, from Occitan espaignol, from Medieval Latin Hispaniolus, equivalent to Latin Hispān(us) “of Hispania ” + -i- + -olus -ole1

Words nearby español

espadrille, espagnole, espagnolette, espalier, España, español, Espartero, esparto, espec., especial, especially
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use español in a sentence

  • One day he's calling Spanish the language of the “ghetto,” the next he's apologizing on YouTube en Espanol.

    Newt Gringo|Benjamin Sarlin|July 20, 2009|DAILY BEAST

  • All such matters are quite individual, but a decoction called chocolate Espanol is also to be recommended.

    Cuba, Old and New|Albert Gardner Robinson

  • Neither the boss nor I could habla Espanol—speak Spanish, you know—much then.

    Victory|Joseph Conrad

  • And he added, with the first words he had spoken since they met, "Hablo espanol?"

    The Heritage of the Sioux|B.M. Bower
FEEDBACK