australian
|aus/tra/li/an|
🇺🇸
/ɔˈstreɪliən/
🇬🇧
/ɒˈstreɪliən/
of or from Australia
Etymology
'australian' originates from English, specifically the word 'Australia' with the adjectival suffix '-an', where 'Australia' ultimately comes from Latin 'australis' meaning 'southern' and '-an' meant 'related to or belonging to'.
'australian' changed from the place-name 'Australia' (from Latin 'australis', used in expressions like 'Terra Australis' meaning 'southern land') and the adjective-forming suffix '-an'; the modern English adjective and demonym 'Australian' developed in the 18th–19th centuries as the name 'Australia' became established.
Initially, the root 'australis' meant 'southern'; over time, through the place-name 'Australia', the meaning shifted to 'of or relating to the country of Australia' and to denote its people.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person from Australia; a citizen or native of Australia.
An australian I met at the conference recommended visiting Tasmania.
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Noun 2
people of Australia collectively (the Australians).
Many australian celebrated the team's victory across the country.
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Adjective 1
of, from, or relating to Australia or its people, culture, or products.
She enjoys australian literature and often reads authors from Sydney.
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Adjective 2
typical of or characteristic of things associated with Australia (e.g., australian wildlife, australian English).
The documentary showed australian wildlife found only on that continent.
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Last updated: 2025/11/22 04:52