cosmopolite

[ koz-mop-uh-lahyt ]

noun

1. a person who is cosmopolitan in their ideas, life, etc.; citizen of the world.
2. an animal or plant of worldwide distribution.

cosmopolite

/ kɒzˈmɒpəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a less common word for cosmopolitan
2. an animal or plant that occurs in most parts of the world

Derived Forms

• cosˈmopoliˌtism, noun

Other Words From

• cos·mopo·lit·ism noun
• noncos·mopo·lite noun
• noncos·mopo·lit·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmopolite¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Greek kosmopolī́tēs “citizen of the world,” equivalent to kosmo- cosmo- + polī́tēs “citizen” ( pól(is) “a city, state” + -ītēs -ite ¹ )

Example Sentences

“My father was killed in Russia. The war turned me into a cosmopolite and opponent of all nationalisms and all politics while just a schoolboy.”

From Washington Post

The last year, however, has thrown even cosmopolites back on small areas and local attachments.

From Washington Post

It favored rural Germans and targeted supposed forces of modernity: liberal media members, Jews, cosmopolites.

From Washington Post

In one scene, the function of food as a status symbol for globe-trotting cosmopolites becomes clear.

From New York Times

That vaudevillian public disdain for East Coast intellectuals, Ivy League blue bloods, cosmopolites — all of it started with Nixon.

From New York Times

Related Words

• inhabitant
• national
• resident
• taxpayer