Corinthian

American  

[kuh-rin-thee-uhn] / kəˈrɪn θi ən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth.

2. Architecture. noting or pertaining to one of the five classical orders invented in ancient Greece and similar in most respects to the Ionic but usually of slenderer proportions, and characterized by a deep capital with a round bell decorated with acanthus leaves and a square abacus with concave sides. The Corinthian capital has typically two distinct rows of acanthus leaves above which appear eight fluted sheaths, from each of which spring two scrolls helices, of which one curls beneath a corner of the abacus as half of a volute and the other curls beneath the center of the abacus.

3. ornate, as literary style.

4. luxurious or licentious.

5. pertaining to or designating a style of vase painting developed in Corinth, in the 7th and early 6th centuries b.c., characterized chiefly by human, animal, and ornamental motifs, painted boldly in a black figure style on a terra-cotta ground, often arranged in tiers around the vase.

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noun

Corinthians plural

1. a native or inhabitant of Corinth.

2. a man about town, especially one who lives luxuriously or, sometimes, dissolutely.

3. an amateur yachtsman.

4. Manège. a horse-show class in which each contestant must be a member of a recognized hunt and wear regulation hunt livery.

Corinthian British  

/ kəˈrɪnθɪən /

adjective

1. of, characteristic of, or relating to Corinth

2. of, denoting, or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a bell-shaped capital having carved ornaments based on acanthus leaves See also Ionic Doric composite Tuscan

3. given to luxury; dissolute

4. ornate and elaborate

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Corinth

2. an amateur sportsman

3. rare a man about town, esp one who is dissolute

Corinthian Cultural  

1. One of the three main styles of Greek architecture (the others are Doric and Ionic). The Corinthian column is slender and fluted; the capital incorporates sculpted leaves.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• Corinthians
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Corinthian

1350–1400; Middle English Corinthi ( es ) men of Corinth (< Latin Corinthiī < Greek Korínthioi; see Corinth) + -an

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Corinthian Corinthians

Unlike in most mythological tales, the white Corinthian columns have been swapped out for brutal stone architecture.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026

He has also hinted at changes to the North Portico's 200-year-old columns -- which are in the Ionic style and not his preferred, more ornate Corinthian style -- and have recently been covered by scaffolding.

From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026

In 2015, for example, for-profit vocational school Corinthian Colleges filed for bankruptcy following federal and state allegations that it had misled prospective students about the career success of its graduates.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026

It moved in 1838 to its current building where there are Corinthian columns marked with an inscription reading "Maiorvm Gloria Posteris Lvmen Est", meaning "the glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants".

From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2024

After the events at Corinthian Hall, Rochester’s citizens either believed in the Fox sisters’ spirits or they did not.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

In a prerecorded video, President Donald Trump read from the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians.

From Salon ● Jun. 29, 2026

Like Corinthians, United have had a turbulent season, but are on course to return to the Champions League following an upturn in form since Michael Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim as manager in January.

From BBC ● Apr. 27, 2026

England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy restored Arsenal's lead and the celebrations were beginning around the Emirates when Corinthians snatched a dramatic equaliser deep into injury time.

From Barron's ● Feb. 1, 2026

However, Corinthians shocked US champions Gotham FC in Wednesday's semi-finals and pushed Arsenal all the way in front of over 25,000 at the Emirates Stadium.

From Barron's ● Feb. 1, 2026

Ruth looked around at Corinthians, who ignored her.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison