Levantine

American  

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

adjective

1. of or relating to the Levant.

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noun

1. Sometimes Offensive. a native of the Levant.

levantine British  

/ ˈlɛvənˌtaɪn /

noun

1. a cloth of twilled silk

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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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

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 • Apr. 30, 2024

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 • Apr. 29, 2024

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

From Salon • Dec. 30, 2023

Did the ghosts of Levantine girls haunt those cursory checkups, suggested by the fragility of my collarbone, or the birdcall of my small, congested lungs?

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides