Esperanto

American  

[es-puh-rahn-toh, -ran-] / ˌɛs pəˈrɑn toʊ, -ˈræn- /

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.

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Esperanto British  

/ ˌɛspəˈræntəʊ /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• Esperantism noun
• Esperantist noun

Etymology

Origin of Esperanto

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

Example Sentences

Esperanto failed to catch on, either as a universal second language or as the preferred communication of Interpol.

From Salon • Aug. 6, 2022

A standing credit line in renminbi is the financial equivalent of fluency in Esperanto.

From Washington Post • Mar. 20, 2022

In his first version of the tweet, the president typed Mark Esper’s name as Mark Esperanto.

From The Guardian • Oct. 20, 2019

The committee would contemplate several major ideas throughout its tenure, such as creation of an international university, academic exchange programs, and even the adoption of Esperanto.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 2019

Dad’s theories ranged from Esperanto, which he made us study because he thought it was the answer to half the world’s problems, to immaculate conception, which he said wasn’t supported by available biological evidence.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey