Columbian
/kəˈlʌm.bi.ən/noun
Relating to Christopher Columbus, Colombia, or the Americas in a historical or cultural context.
Did you know?Columbian ultimately comes from Latin *Columbus*, meaning “dove,” so a word used for exploration and empire traces back to a bird of peace.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
columba
“dove”
Late Latin
Latin
Columbus
“a personal name meaning “dove””
15th Century
Italian/Spanish
Colombo / Colón
“the surname of Christopher Columbus”
16th Century
English
Columbian
“relating to Columbus or the New World”
Modern English
English
Columbian
“relating to Christopher Columbus, Colombia, or the Americas”
Explore more surprising origins