Persian

noun Per·sian \ˈpər-zhən, especially British -shən\

Definition of PERSIAN

: one of the people of Persia: as

a : one of the ancient Iranians who under Cyrus and his successors founded an empire in southwest Asia

b : a member of one of the peoples forming the modern Iranian nationality

a : any of several Iranian languages dominant in Persia at different periods

b : the modern language of Iran and western Afghanistan — see indo-european languages table

: a thin soft silk formerly used especially for linings

— Persian adjective

See Persian defined for kids

14th century

Next Word in the Dictionary: persianaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: pershAll Words Near: Persian

What made you want to look up Persian? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears