Serbian
/ˈsɜːr.bi.ən/noun
Relating to Serbia, its people, or its language.
Did you know?The origin of the ethnonym Serb remains debated: scholars have proposed connections with an ancient root meaning “kin” or “ally,” but no explanation is universally accepted.
Etymological Timeline
Early Middle Ages
Proto-Slavic/Slavic
Sъrbъ
“The reconstructed Slavic ethnonym underlying Serb; its original meaning is uncertain.”
6th–7th Century
Greek
Σέρβοι (Sérboi)
“The Serbs; a people mentioned in Byzantine-era sources.”
10th Century
Medieval Latin
Sorabi / Serbi
“Names used in Latin records for the Serb people.”
12th–14th Century
Old French/Latin
Serbe / Serbia
“Forms referring to the Serb people and their land in medieval European writing.”
16th Century
English
Servian
“An English adjective and noun relating to Serbia or its people.”
Modern English
English
Serbian
“Relating to Serbia, its people, or the Serbian language.”
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