Esperanto

[ es-puh-rahn-toh, -ran- ]

noun
  1. an artificial language invented in 1887 by L. L. Zamenhof (1859–1917), a Polish physician and philologist, and intended for international use. It is based on word roots common to the major European languages.

Origin of Esperanto

1
1890–95; originally pseudonym of inventor; literally, the hoping one. See esperance

Other words from Esperanto

  • Es·pe·ran·tism, noun
  • Es·pe·ran·tist, noun

Words Nearby Esperanto

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How to use Esperanto in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for Esperanto

Esperanto

/ (ˌɛspəˈræntəʊ) /


noun
  1. an international artificial language based on words common to the chief European languages, invented in 1887

Origin of Esperanto

1
C19: literally: the one who hopes, pseudonym of Dr. L. L. Zamenhof, who invented it

Derived forms of Esperanto

  • Esperantist, noun, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012