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noun

Cossack

KOS-ak

Cossack (noun) means a member of a historically semi-independent warrior community from Eastern Europe, especially southern Russia and Ukraine. Example: “The Cossacks were renowned for their horsemanship and fierce cavalry charges.”

noun
1
A member of a historically semi-independent warrior community from Eastern Europe, especially southern Russia and Ukraine.
"The Cossacks were renowned for their horsemanship and fierce cavalry charges."
2
A soldier serving in a Cossack military unit.
"The tsar relied on Cossack regiments to guard the empire's southern frontier."

How to use Cossack

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA member of a historic Eastern European people known for horsemanship and military tradition.

Word forms

Cossacks plural

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The _____ were renowned for their horsemanship and fierce cavalry charges.

Etymology

From French cosaque, from Polish Kozak, ultimately from a Turkic word meaning "free adventurer" or "raider."

Origin: French

Frequently asked questions

What does “Cossack” mean?

The word “Cossack” means a member of a historically semi-independent warrior community from Eastern Europe, especially southern Russia and Ukraine. In plain terms, a member of a historic Eastern European people known for horsemanship and military tradition.

How do you pronounce “Cossack”?

“Cossack” is pronounced KOS-ak (/ˈkɑsˌæk/ in IPA).

How do you use “Cossack” in a sentence?

Here is “Cossack” used in a sentence: “The Cossacks were renowned for their horsemanship and fierce cavalry charges.”

What part of speech is “Cossack”?

“Cossack” is a noun.

Where does the word “Cossack” come from?

The word “Cossack” comes from French. From French cosaque, from Polish Kozak, ultimately from a Turkic word meaning "free adventurer" or "raider.".

How many meanings does “Cossack” have?

“Cossack” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a member of a historically semi-independent warrior community from Eastern Europe, especially southern Russia and Ukraine.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial