Basque

[ bask ]

noun

1. one of a people of unknown origin inhabiting the western Pyrenees regions in France and Spain.
2. their language, not known to be related to any other language.
3. (lowercase) a close-fitting bodice, sometimes having an extension that covers the hips.
4. (lowercase) the extension of this bodice or of a doublet.

adjective

1. of or relating to the Basques or their language.

basque

¹

/ bɑːsk; bæsk /

noun

1. a short extension below the waist to the bodice of a woman's jacket, etc
2. a tight-fitting bodice for women

Basque

²

/ bæsk; bɑːsk /

noun

1. a member of a people of unknown origin living around the W Pyrenees in France and Spain
2. the language of this people, of no known relationship with any other language

adjective

1. relating to, denoting, or characteristic of this people or their language

Word History and Origins

Origin of Basque¹

C19: perhaps from Basque

Origin of Basque²

C19: from French, from Latin Vascō a Basque

Example Sentences

On Sunday locals in the Basque city of San Sebastian plan to take to the streets under the banner: “We are in danger; degrow tourism!”

From BBC

Let’s hope the former Basque country minister can reignite the debate and encourage Nesbitt to leave a legacy that will make a real difference.

From BBC

Known by his Russian friends as “Pablo, the Basque journalist”, the 42-year-old was part of a major prisoner swap for Westerners held in Russian jails and Russian dissidents.

From BBC

She left a lasting impression as one of the beautiful “swans,” society women who were betrayed by Truman Capote when he exposed their secrets in his Esquire article “La Côte Basque 1965.”

From Los Angeles Times

The show is about the fallout from the publication of Truman Capote’s short story “La Côte Basque, 1965,” which was a thinly veiled portrait of this group of New York City socialites, including Paley.

From Los Angeles Times