Korean

[ kuh-ree-uhn, kaw-, koh- ]

/ kəˈri ən, kɔ-, koʊ- /

Save This Word!

adjective

of or relating to Korea, its inhabitants, or their language.

noun

a native or inhabitant of South Korea or North Korea.

the language of South Korea or North Korea. Abbreviation: Kor

COMPARE MEANINGS

Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Korean

First recorded in 1605–15; Kore(a) + -an

OTHER WORDS FROM Korean

pro-Ko·re·an, adjective, noun

Words nearby Korean

Korda, Kordofan, Kordofanian, kore, Korea, Korean, Korean lawn grass, Korean War, Korea Strait, korero, korfball

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Korean in a sentence

They re-signed super-utility man Jurickson Profar to go with the signing of Korean star Ha-Seong Kim, another versatile defender who can plug in anywhere.
The Fernando Tatis Jr. deal is huge, but so are the Padres’ ambition and baseball’s expectations|Chelsea Janes|February 18, 2021|Washington Post
A lot of Korean women came here 40 years ago when there were not many Koreans around.
Minari and the Real Korean-American Immigrants Who Have Farmed U.S. Soil for More Than a Century|Andrew R. Chow|February 12, 2021|Time
Some of the shows will debut on Korean networks like tvN and JTBC, with no confirmed plans for international distribution at the moment.
The 15 Most Anticipated Korean Dramas of 2021|Kat Moon|January 29, 2021|Time
The company’s approach, which includes shaping the pieces from clay, carving floral designs, and custom glazing, all stem from Korean tradition.
How Traditional Korean Tableware Is Made for Michelin-Starred Restaurants|Eater Video|January 27, 2021|Eater

Last week, Korean news outlet TheElec also wrote about this memo in a now-deleted post.
LG says it might quit the smartphone market|Ron Amadeo|January 20, 2021|Ars Technica
In 1951, Harry Truman fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War.
We Need Our Police to Be Better Than This|Nick Gillespie|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But South Koreans have a troubled history with American intervention in Korean markets.
Propaganda, Protest, and Poisonous Vipers: The Cinema War in Korea|Rich Goldstein|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Second Republic was also considered the another golden age for Korean Cinema.
Propaganda, Protest, and Poisonous Vipers: The Cinema War in Korea|Rich Goldstein|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ronald Reagan approved the agreement and the USTR reviewed Korean practices through the end of his term.
Propaganda, Protest, and Poisonous Vipers: The Cinema War in Korea|Rich Goldstein|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When Yoo and Lee were arrested for the bombing and the snakes, Korean film employees staged protests demanding their release.
Propaganda, Protest, and Poisonous Vipers: The Cinema War in Korea|Rich Goldstein|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When he first came to his home in the Korean city, a little bit of a baby, his father and mother were very, very glad to see him.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
Your father and mother gave you no warmer welcome than the parents of this little Korean baby gave to him.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
First through the gate came a company of Korean foot-soldiers, in blue uniforms.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
Little Korean boys have to go to school, just as you do, though they do not study in just the same way.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
Most Korean gentlemen had private archery grounds and targets in the gardens near their houses.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike

British Dictionary definitions for Korean

Korean

/ (kəˈriːən) /

adjective

of or relating to Korea, its people, or their language

noun

a native or inhabitant of Korea

the official language of North and South Korea, considered by some scholars to be part of the Altaic family of languages

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