Mediterranean

[med-i-tuh-rey-nee-uhn]

noun

1. Mediterranean Sea.

2. a person whose physical characteristics are considered typical of the peoples native to or inhabiting the Mediterranean area.

3. Informal.,  the, the islands and countries of the Mediterranean Sea collectively.

adjective

1. pertaining to, situated on or near, or dwelling about the Mediterranean Sea.

2. pertaining to or characteristic of the peoples native to the lands along or near the Mediterranean Sea.

3. surrounded or nearly surrounded by land.

Mediterranean

/ ˌmɛdɪtəˈreɪnɪən /

noun

1. short for the Mediterranean Sea

2. a native or inhabitant of a Mediterranean country

adjective

1. of, relating to, situated or dwelling on or near the Mediterranean Sea

2. denoting a postulated subdivision of the Caucasoid race, characterized by slender build and dark complexion

3. meteorol (of a climate) characterized by hot summers and relatively warm winters when most of the annual rainfall occurs

4. obsolete,  (often not capital) situated in the middle of a landmass; inland

Other Word Forms

• non-Mediterranean noun
• trans-Mediterranean adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mediterranean¹

1585–95; < Latin mediterrāne ( us ) midland, inland ( medium, terra, -an, -eous ) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mediterranean¹

C16: from Latin mediterrāneus, from medius middle + -terrāneus, from terra land, earth

Example Sentences

About two-thirds of respondents also said wildfires in the Mediterranean area would not make them think twice about holidaying there.

From BBC

In central Israel as the sun sets, Mr Sharabi, 53, stands looking out at the calm Mediterranean Sea.

From BBC

The unblinking eye provides 360 degree coverage from the Arctic to North Africa, and from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.

From BBC

Situated on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast, Benidorm is one of the country's best-known tourist destinations, drawing close to three million visitors last year.

From BBC

The Arabic-language film “The Sea,” a drama about a 12-year-old Palestinian boy attempting to reach the Mediterranean Sea from the West Bank, recently won best film at the Ophir Awards, Israel’s version of the Oscars.

From Los Angeles Times