Achaean

1 of 2

adjective

Achae·​an ə-ˈkē-ən How to pronounce Achaean (audio)
variants or Achaian
ə-ˈkī-ən How to pronounce Achaean (audio)
-ˈkā-ən
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Achaea
broadly : of or relating to Greece

Achaean

2 of 2

noun

variants or Achaian
: a native or inhabitant of Achaea
broadly : greek

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Achaea, Achaia, ancient region of the Peloponnesus, Greece (borrowed from Latin & Greek; Latin Achāia, borrowed from Greek Achaḯa) + -an entry 2

Noun

Achaea, Achaia, ancient region of the Peloponnesus, Greece + -an entry 1 — more at achaean entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Achaean was in 1567

Rhymes for Achaean

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Browse Nearby Words

Achaea
Achaean
Achaemenian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Achaean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Achaean. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Achaean

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Achaean

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