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Siberia

seye-BEER-ree-uh

Siberia (name) means the vast region of Russia stretching across northern Asia from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific. Example: “Winters in Siberia can drop far below freezing for months.”

name
1
The vast region of Russia stretching across northern Asia from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific.
"Winters in Siberia can drop far below freezing for months."
noun
1
Figuratively, a place of banishment, exile, or extreme discomfort.
"After the mistake, he was sent to the Siberia of the sales department."

How to use Siberia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe huge, cold region of Russia in Asia — also used figuratively for anywhere someone is exiled or sidelined.

Common pairings
sent to Siberia Siberian winter

Word forms

Siberias plural

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Test yourself on “Siberia” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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Winters in _____ can drop far below freezing for months.

Etymology

Adopted in the 16th century from Russian Sibir, originally the name of a Tatar fortress that gave its name to the surrounding khanate and, eventually, the whole region.

Origin: Russian · First attested 1500

Class of 1500 Siberia joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →

Rhymes for Siberia

See all rhymes for Siberia →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Siberia” mean?

The word “Siberia” means the vast region of Russia stretching across northern Asia from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific. In plain terms, the huge, cold region of Russia in Asia — also used figuratively for anywhere someone is exiled or sidelined.

How do you pronounce “Siberia”?

“Siberia” is pronounced seye-BEER-ree-uh ([saɪˈbɪɹiə] in IPA).

How do you use “Siberia” in a sentence?

Here is “Siberia” used in a sentence: “Winters in Siberia can drop far below freezing for months.”

What part of speech is “Siberia”?

Depending on how it is used, “Siberia” can be a name and a noun.

Where does the word “Siberia” come from?

The word “Siberia” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Russian. Adopted in the 16th century from Russian Sibir, originally the name of a Tatar fortress that gave its name to the surrounding khanate and, eventually, the whole region.

Is “Siberia” a common word?

“Siberia” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Siberia” have?

“Siberia” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the vast region of Russia stretching across northern Asia from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific.

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