Kyiv
Americannoun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The BBC's Dan Johnson visited Anastasiia's home near Kyiv to see the extent of the damage and the emotional toll on residents.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
At least 21others have been injured in areas around Kyiv, authorities say.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
The sacking, announced by decree, happened however as Kyiv was lobbying Washington hard to obtain more Patriot air defence missiles to block Russian strikes.
From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026
Residents flooded stations of the Kyiv subway, which have doubled as shelters during the war.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
In Kyiv, more than 56,000 people took shelter in the city’s subway stations, according to city authorities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
