attila
|at-ti-la|
/əˈtɪl.ə/
Hunnic king; Hungarian short jacket
Etymology
'attila' originates from Hungarian, specifically the word 'Attila', where the name 'Attila' likely derives from the Gothic element 'atta' meaning 'father' plus the diminutive suffix '-ila'.
'Attila' changed from Gothic components (e.g. 'atta' + '-ila') into Latin/Medieval usages as the proper name 'Attila', and later the Hungarian usage for a short military jacket was borrowed into English as 'attila'.
Initially it was a personal name (etymologically 'little father'), but over time it became primarily known as the name of the Hun leader and additionally came to denote a Hungarian-style short jacket in English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the name of Attila, the 5th-century king of the Huns (proper name).
Many history books mention attila as a major threat to the Western Roman Empire.
Noun 2
a short, close-fitting Hungarian-style jacket or military tunic, often decorated with braiding; named after Attila.
For the costume, he wore an attila trimmed with gold braid.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/16 03:02