adj
Very common
Australian
os-TRAY-lee-uhn
Australian (adj) means relating to Australia, its people, or its languages. Example: “She has a strong Australian accent after years of living in Sydney.”
adj
1
Relating to Australia, its people, or its languages.
"She has a strong Australian accent after years of living in Sydney."
noun
1
A person from Australia.
"Several Australians competed in the marathon this year."
"An Australian was once appointed on contract, but he swore too much."
— Anthony Burgess, Time for a Tiger (The Malayan Trilogy) (1956)
How to use Australian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOf, from, or relating to Australia — or a person from there.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Australians
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She has a strong _____ accent after years of living in Sydney.
Etymology
From Australia plus the suffix -an.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Australian
See all rhymes for Australian →Frequently asked questions
What does “Australian” mean?
The word “Australian” means relating to Australia, its people, or its languages. In plain terms, of, from, or relating to Australia — or a person from there.
How do you pronounce “Australian”?
“Australian” is pronounced os-TRAY-lee-uhn (/ɔˈstɹeɪljən/ in IPA).
How do you use “Australian” in a sentence?
Here is “Australian” used in a sentence: “She has a strong Australian accent after years of living in Sydney.”
What part of speech is “Australian”?
Depending on how it is used, “Australian” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “Australian” a common word?
“Australian” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Australian” have?
“Australian” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to Australia, its people, or its languages.
What is the difference between 'Australian' and 'Aussie'?
Both refer to something or someone from Australia, but 'Australian' is the standard, neutral term suitable for any context. 'Aussie' is an informal, affectionate nickname used in casual speech, as in 'a true Aussie'. In formal writing you would use 'Australian'; among friends, 'Aussie' is warm and common.
Is 'Australian' a nationality or a language?
Chiefly a nationality: an Australian is a citizen of Australia, and the adjective describes anything relating to the country. There is no single language called 'Australian' — the main language is English, often called Australian English, alongside many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages native to the continent.
What does it mean to describe something as Australian?
Calling something Australian links it to Australia — its people, culture, geography, or way of life. It might describe a person's nationality, a product made there, an accent, or a custom, such as Australian wildlife or Australian slang. The word simply signals a connection to the country and its identity.
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