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.
My father was born in a shtetl outside Kyiv — didn’t speak Russian, spoke Yiddish.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
“Kyiv is under a furious enemy attack,” Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram, urging residents to stay in shelters.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026
When Wojciech Kostrzewa, who represents some of Poland's biggest firms, went on a Polish economic mission to Kyiv last month, he found a "very good" atmosphere and a collaborative spirit with his Ukrainian counterparts.
From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026
He was found guilty of high treason under martial law and the illegal handling of weapons, ammunitions or explosives by the Shevchenkivskyy District Court in Kyiv.
From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026
Still its successes were a wake-up call for Kyiv that interdiction needed to become a priority, several sources told me.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 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.
