Anglo-Saxon

noun

An·​glo-Sax·​on ˌaŋ-glō-ˈsak-sən How to pronounce Anglo-Saxon (audio)
1
: a member of the Germanic peoples conquering England in the fifth century a.d. and forming the ruling class until the Norman conquest compare angle, jute, saxon
2
a
: englishman
specifically : a person descended from the Anglo-Saxons
b
: a white gentile of an English-speaking nation
3
: old english sense 1
4
: direct plain English
especially : English using words considered crude or vulgar
Anglo-Saxon adjective

Examples of Anglo-Saxon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Anglo-Saxon World As a Leitmotif Having studied in London during high school, then briefly at Oxford Brookes during university, the English scene opened its doors to him first, and he’s always known how to reciprocate. — Billboard France, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025 Elite Anglo-Saxon residences were often built near churches, according to the study, and the site of Harold’s palace was next to an important Anglo-Saxon church in Bosham. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Anglo-Saxones, plural, alteration of Medieval Latin Angli Saxones, from Latin Angli Angles + Late Latin Saxones Saxons

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Anglo-Saxon was in 1602

Rhymes for Anglo-Saxon

See All Rhymes for Anglo-Saxon

Browse Nearby Words

anglophone
Anglo-Saxon
Anglo-Saxon alphabet
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Cite this Entry

“Anglo-Saxon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Anglo-Saxon. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Anglo-Saxon

noun
An·​glo-Sax·​on
ˌaŋ-glō-ˈsak-sən
1
: a member of the Germanic people who conquered England in the 5th century a.d.
2
: a person whose ancestors were English
3
: old english
Anglo-Saxon adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Anglo-Saxon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Anglo-Saxon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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