Mediterranean
Americannoun
-
a person whose physical characteristics are considered typical of the peoples native to or inhabiting the Mediterranean area.
-
Informal. the, the islands and countries of the Mediterranean Sea collectively.
adjective
-
pertaining to, situated on or near, or dwelling about the Mediterranean Sea.
-
pertaining to or characteristic of the peoples native to the lands along or near the Mediterranean Sea.
-
surrounded or nearly surrounded by land.
noun
-
short for the Mediterranean Sea
-
a native or inhabitant of a Mediterranean country
adjective
-
of, relating to, situated or dwelling on or near the Mediterranean Sea
-
denoting a postulated subdivision of the Caucasoid race, characterized by slender build and dark complexion
-
meteorol (of a climate) characterized by hot summers and relatively warm winters when most of the annual rainfall occurs
-
obsolete (often not capital) situated in the middle of a landmass; inland
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of Mediterranean
1585–95; < Latin mediterrāne ( us ) midland, inland ( see medium, terra, -an, -eous) + -an
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.
His previous work has focused on the traditional low protein, plant centered Mediterranean diets commonly found in parts of southern Europe, where people often live exceptionally long lives.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026
Legs revolt and take Mediterranean holidays when they’re supposed to be conquering Alpine passes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
The Mediterranean experienced its own record-breaking marine heatwave, with the continent's Atlantic coasts also hit by hot spells, putting ecosystems at risk.
From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026
The brine ties everything together and gives the salad a punchy Mediterranean flavor that makes it feel more intentional than it actually is.
From Salon ● Jul. 7, 2026
Southwest, in the western Mediterranean, on the Atlantic coast of Europe, and in parts of Japan.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
