levant

[ li-vant ]

/ lɪˈvænt /

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verb (used without object) British Slang.

to leave secretly or hurriedly to avoid paying debts.

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 levant

1750–60; perhaps <Spanish levantar to lift (Compare levantar el campo to break camp, leave), frequentative of levar<Latin levāre

OTHER WORDS FROM levant

le·vant·er, noun

Words nearby levant

Leuven, lev, levade, Levalloisian, Levallois-Perret, levant, Levant dollar, levanter, Levantine, Levant storax, levator

Other definitions for levant (2 of 2)

Levant

[ li-vant ]

/ lɪˈvænt /

noun

the lands bordering the E shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Also called Levant morocco. a superior grade of morocco having a large and prominent grain, originally made in the Levant.

Origin of Levant

1490–1500; earlier levaunt<Middle French levant, noun use (with reference to rising sun) of present participle of lever to raise (se lever to rise). See lever

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

How to use levant in a sentence

The latter collection coincides with the Muslim conquest of the Levant.
Hidden Gold Coins From the Early Byzantine Era Discovered in Israel|Dattatreya Mandal|October 7, 2022|Realm of History
However, when the Egyptians tussled with the more heavily-armored enemies from the Near East and the Levant, the archers played their supporting role in the encounters.
The Ancient Egyptian Soldiers of the New Kingdom|Dattatreya Mandal|July 6, 2022|Realm of History
These native rulers, in turn, proceeded on to conquer regions and retained vassals beyond the traditional boundaries of the kingdom, including ancient Nubia, Levant, and Syria.
The Ancient Egyptian Soldiers of the New Kingdom|Dattatreya Mandal|July 6, 2022|Realm of History
To that end, the Bahri Mamluks are often credited with stopping the Mongol onslaught into the Middle East and the Levant.
Mamluks: The Incredible Islamic Slave-Warriors of Egypt|Dattatreya Mandal|June 23, 2022|Realm of History

For example, the Sultan’s personal Mamluks were probably equipped with the finest arms and armor, sourced from the upscale workshops situated in the largest cities of Egypt and the Levant.
Mamluks: The Incredible Islamic Slave-Warriors of Egypt|Dattatreya Mandal|June 23, 2022|Realm of History
As uncovered by the climate blog desmogblog, the Ethical Oil meme dates to a 2010 book by Ezra Levant.
How Canadian Oilmen Pinkwash the Keystone Pipeline|Jay Michaelson|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, joining in the chorus, severely berates Tehran for its role in the Levant.
The Nuclear Deal That Iran’s Regime Fears Most|Djavad Khadem|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
An easing of tensions between al Qaeda and ISIS presents dangers for America in its military campaign in the Levant.
Al Qaeda Plotters in Syria ‘Went Dark,’ U.S. Spies Say|Eli Lake|September 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Levant is already a far cry from the cosmopolitan melting pot it once was.
Beirut Letter: In Lebanon, Fighting ISIS With Culture and Satire|Kim Ghattas|September 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
What future crises are we now creating in Gaza and the Levant?
From Texas to Gaza, Reaping What We Sow|Michael Tomasky|August 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The English merchants trading to the Levant surrendered their patent to the king.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
This was a disquieting discovery, and Matt thought that if he could levant without being seen it would be well for him to do so.
Motor Matt's "Century" Run|Stanley R. Matthews
The Constitution now found herself opposite the Levant and poured a broadside into her hull.
Stories of Our Naval Heroes|Various
Next she pushed ahead again and pounded the Levant till that lively little craft turned and ran.
Stories of Our Naval Heroes|Various
For three hours the three big frigates hotly chased the Constitution and Levant, but let the Cyane go.
Stories of Our Naval Heroes|Various

British Dictionary definitions for levant (1 of 3)

levant¹

/ (lɪˈvænt) /

noun

a type of leather made from the skins of goats, sheep, or seals, having a pattern of irregular creases

Word Origin for levant

C19: shortened from Levant morocco (type of leather)

British Dictionary definitions for levant (2 of 3)

levant²

/ (lɪˈvænt) /

verb

(intr) British to bolt or abscond, esp to avoid paying debts

Word Origin for levant

C18: perhaps from Spanish levantar (el campo) to break (camp)

British Dictionary definitions for levant (3 of 3)

Levant

/ (lɪˈvænt) /

noun

the Levant a former name for the area of the E Mediterranean now occupied by Lebanon, Syria, and Israel

Word Origin for Levant

C15: from Old French, from the present participle of lever to raise (referring to the rising of the sun in the east), from Latin levāre

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

Cultural definitions for levant

Levant

[ (luh-vant) ]

Name for the nations on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea: Cyprus, Egypt (see also Egypt), Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey.