Levantine

[lev-uhn-tahyn, -teen, li-van-tin, -tahyn]

adjective

1. of or relating to the Levant.

noun

1. Sometimes Offensive.,  a native of the Levant.

levantine

/ ˈlɛvənˌtaɪn /

noun

1. a cloth of twilled silk

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of levantine¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Circassians arrived as slaves, Levantine Arabs and Western Europeans as businesspeople.

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