Achaemenid

noun

Achae·​me·​nid ə-ˈkē-mə-nəd How to pronounce Achaemenid (audio)
plural Achaemenids also Achaemenidae ˌa-kə-ˈme-nə-ˌdē How to pronounce Achaemenid (audio)
: a member of the ruling house of ancient Persia generally considered historically important from the assumption of power by Cyrus the Great (559 b.c.) to the overthrow of Darius III (330 b.c.)

Examples of Achaemenid 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.
This means that precursors of liberal order can exist in otherwise illiberal systems, including limited religious toleration in Europe after 1648 or broader norms of toleration in the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 26 Mar. 2021 The roads are not in a uniform condition like ancient Roman roads, except for some of the routes built by the Achaemenid Persian Empire around 550 B.C., which were wide enough for armies to pass and also contained periodic weigh stations. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2024 Even Alexander’s later achievement, the invasion and conquest of the Achaemenid Persian empire, was partly his father’s doing. James Romm, WSJ, 9 Oct. 2020

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin Achaemenidēs, borrowed from Greek Achaimenídēs, from Achaiménēs (Achaemenes), alleged founder of the dynasty (borrowed from Old Persian Haxāmaniš) + -idēs -id entry 1

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Achaemenid was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near Achaemenid

Cite this Entry

“Achaemenid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Achaemenid. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!