noun

janissary

JAN-ih-zuh-ree

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Janissary (noun) means a soldier of the elite Ottoman infantry corps, historically often of Balkan Christian origin and forcibly converted to Islam, whose corps was disbanded in 1826. Example: “The janissary corps served as the Ottoman sultan's elite infantry guard for centuries.”

noun

historical A soldier of the elite Ottoman infantry corps, historically often of Balkan Christian origin and forcibly converted to Islam, whose corps was disbanded in 1826.

"The janissary corps served as the Ottoman sultan's elite infantry guard for centuries."

"The janissary corps was disbanded in 1826 after centuries of service."

"Many janissaries were originally Balkan Christian boys taken into Ottoman service."

How to use janissary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA janissary was an elite soldier in the Ottoman sultan's infantry guard.

When to use it

It is a historical term, used mainly when writing about Ottoman history.

Memory tip

Note the double s in the middle. The word usually names an Ottoman guard soldier, but it can also be used more loosely for any Turkish soldier, especially one accompanying a traveller.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

janissary corps Ottoman janissaries disbanded the janissaries

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ corps served as the Ottoman sultan's elite infantry guard for centuries.

Etymology

The word reached English from Italian giannizzaro, possibly by way of Middle French or Spanish. It ultimately comes from Ottoman Turkish yeñiçeri, literally "new soldier". English writers were using the word by the early 16th century, though the janissary corps itself went back to the 14th century.

Origin: Italian

Rhymes for janissary

vary Mary nary wary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary ossuary

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Frequently asked questions

What does janissary mean?

A janissary was a soldier in the elite Ottoman infantry guard, a corps that was disbanded in 1826.

Where does the word janissary come from?

It comes from Italian giannizzaro, which goes back to Ottoman Turkish yeñiçeri, meaning "new soldier".

When did the janissary corps end?

The Ottoman janissary corps was disbanded in 1826.

What is the meaning of janissary?

"janissary" (noun) means a soldier of the elite Ottoman infantry corps, historically often of Balkan Christian origin and forcibly converted to Islam, whose corps was disbanded in 1826.