Vienna
|Vi-en-na|
/viˈɛnə/
historic European capital
Etymology
'Vienna' originates from German, specifically the word 'Wien', where 'Wien' ultimately derives from the Celtic place-name 'Vindobona', in which the element 'windo-' meant 'white' and '-bona' meant 'settlement' or 'fort'.
'Vienna' changed from the Roman/Celtic name 'Vindobona' into Old High German forms such as 'Wien', passed through Medieval Latin and other Romance/Germanic forms ('Vienna' in Medieval Latin), and eventually became the modern English word 'Vienna'.
Initially, it meant the Roman/Celtic fortified settlement 'Vindobona', but over time it evolved into the current meaning of the name of the modern city and capital of Austria, 'Vienna'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the capital and largest city of Austria, located on the Danube River; a major center for music, art, and history.
Vienna is famous for its classical music and imperial palaces.
Noun 2
used metonymically to refer to the government, cultural institutions, or official decisions originating in Vienna.
The directive came from Vienna.
Last updated: 2026/01/15 15:33