Kyiv

American  

[kee-eev, keev, kyi-yif] / ˈki iv, kiv, ˈkyɪ yɪf /

noun

1. a city in and the capital of Ukraine, on the Dnieper River.

---

Etymology

Origin of Kyiv

First recorded in 1805–10 with spelling Kiev; the spelling Kyiv was first recorded in 1950–55; Kiev from Russian Kíev, Kyiv from Ukrainian Kýiv, both from Old East Slavic Kyevŭ; of uncertain origin. Traditional (folk) etymology derives the name from Kyi, one of the legendary founders of the city; another etymology suggests that the name of the city was Sarmatian (Iranian) Kiovi Kii “heights, mountains,” and that its inhabitants, a Sarmatian tribe, were called Kivi “mountaineers”

Example Sentences

They'll face 18 hours of bus journeys to get to Kyiv in time for Sunday's match against Dynamo Kyiv.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday said Kyiv would seek details from Washington about a Kremlin offer for a ceasefire on May 9, when Russia holds large-scale World War II commemorations.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

The Ukrainian leader said Thursday that he expected U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to visit Kyiv.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

"The priority remains the defence of Ukraine," he insisted, which is why Kyiv must approve any international link-ups.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Neither he nor Kushner, however, has ever visited Kyiv in an official capacity.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026