Saracen

[ sar-uh-suhn ]

noun

1. History/Historical. a member of any of the nomadic tribes on the Syrian borders of the Roman Empire.
2. (in later use) an Arab.
3. a Muslim, especially in the period of the Crusades.

adjective

1. Also Sar·a·cen·ic [] Sara·ceni·cal. of or relating to the Saracens.

Saracen

/ ˈsærəsən; ˌsærəˈsɛnɪk /

noun

1. history a member of one of the nomadic Arabic tribes, esp of the Syrian desert, that harassed the borders of the Roman Empire in that region
2. 1. a Muslim, esp one who opposed the crusades
   2. (in later use) any Arab

adjective

1. of or relating to Arabs of either of these periods, regions, or types
2. designating, characterizing, or relating to Muslim art or architecture

Derived Forms

• Saracenic, adjective

Other Words From

• Sara·cen·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Saracen¹

before 900; Middle English, Old English < Medieval Latin Saracēnus < Late Greek Sarakēnós

Word History and Origins

Origin of Saracen¹

C13: from Old French Sarrazin, from Late Latin Saracēnus, from Late Greek Sarakēnos, perhaps from Arabic sharq sunrise, from shāraqa to rise

Example Sentences

The 30-year-old also agreed a new long-term deal with Saracens in January and was named captain of the club at the start of this season.

From BBC

I don't believe it is a fitness thing because he does not come off after 50 minutes for Saracens.

From BBC

"England are in a very similar place as a team as we were in 2012," said Barritt, who won 26 caps before retiring from rugby at the end of the 2019-20 Premiership season with Saracens.

From BBC

But a groundbreaking operation, which required his breastbone to be split open, saved his career and enabled him to represent England again and win the Premiership with Saracens in 2023.

From BBC

Prop McKinley Hunt and number eight Gabrielle Senft play for Packers' Saracens, where unlike the England captain, they play most of their rugby because of not being centrally contracted with their union.

From BBC