Slav

¹

[ slahv, slav ]

noun

1. one of a group of peoples in eastern, southeastern, and central Europe, including the Russians and Ruthenians Eastern Slavs, the Bulgars, Serbs, Croats, Slavonians, Slovenians, etc. Southern Slavs, and the Poles, Czechs, Moravians, Slovaks, etc. Western Slavs.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Slavs; Slavic.

Slav

²

or Slav.

abbreviation for

1. Slavic ( def 1 ).

Slav

/ slɑːv /

noun

1. a member of any of the peoples of E Europe or NW Asia who speak a Slavonic language

Word History and Origins

Origin of Slav¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Medieval Latin Slāvus, variant of Sclāvus, akin to Late Greek Sklábos, from a Slavic ethnonym, perhaps originally a name for all Slavic tribes (compare Old Russian Slověně, an East Slavic tribe); replacing Middle English Sclave, from Medieval Latin Sclāvus; Slovak, Slovenian, slave ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of Slav¹

C14: from Medieval Latin Sclāvus a captive Slav; see slave

Example Sentences

The Russians were not eager to intervene, but they could not simply abandon their fellow Slavs of Serbia.

From Literature

One, called "Stay White," describes itself as a group for Slavs who want to revive "Great Russia."

From Reuters

“The global financial architecture is just not wired to give countries meaningful credit for positive nature investments,” said Slav Gatchev, the head of the Nature Conservancy’s sustainable debt division.

From New York Times

“They belong to a small people in Russia, they are poor, they are humble, they are not Slavs — and they do not complain.”

From Los Angeles Times

In each iteration abroad, Slavs and Tatars works with local curators to choose a slate of performers; fermented foods and drinks are always on offer.

From New York Times