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Levantine

American  
[lev-uhn-tahyn, -teen, li-van-tin, -tahyn] / ˈlɛv ənˌtaɪn, -ˌtin, lɪˈvæn tɪn, -taɪn /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the Levant.


noun

  1. Sometimes Offensive.  a native of the Levant.

levantine British  
/ ˈlɛvənˌtaɪn /

noun

  1. a cloth of twilled silk

"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

Sensitive Note

The use of the word Levantine as a noun, as in the head of HR is a Levantine or Levantines are a key demographic, may sometimes be offensive when not used in self-reference.

Other Word Forms

  • Levantinism noun

Etymology

Origin of Levantine

First recorded in 1640–50; Levant + -ine 1

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.

Certainly not when he serves his take on sfeeha, a traditional Levantine meat pie.

From The Wall Street Journal

Prior to its excavation and analysis, there was scant evidence for human habitation along the southern Levantine coast during the 8.2ka event.

From Science Daily

Make your next weekend brunch memorable with these picks from the 101 Best Restaurants guide, including a Levantine option in Long Beach, soul food in Mid-City, modern Mexican in the Arts District and more.

From Los Angeles Times

Growing up in northern England, Hankir found it challenging to fit in as a young Muslim girl with Levantine and Egyptian heritage.

From Salon

Gezer is an ancient southern Levantine city, well known from Egyptian, Assyrian, and Biblical texts and associated with stories of power struggles and significant historical figures.

From Science Daily