Corinthian

1 of 2

noun

Co·​rin·​thi·​an kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən 

1

: a native or resident of Corinth, Greece

2

: a merry profligate man

Corinthian

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth or Corinthians

2

: of or relating to the lightest and most ornate of the three ancient Greek architectural orders distinguished especially by its large capitals decorated with carved acanthus leaves see order illustration

Examples of Corinthian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Legend has it that, in Ancient Greece, the acanthus leaf inspired the sculptor Callimachus to carve the first Corinthian capital, bringing nature into classical stonework. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Ticket holders will enter the Corinthian downtown on a red carpet, passing luxury cars from Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, McLaren and Porsche. — Jody Schmal, Houston Chronicle, 30 Sep. 2026

And the Arverne Pier Theater wore its neoclassical inspirations on its sleeve, complete with Corinthian columns and a half-round pediment. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026

Unlike in most mythological tales, the white Corinthian columns have been swapped out for brutal stone architecture. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Corinthian

adjective

Co·​rin·​thi·​an

kə-ˈrin(t)-thē-ən

: of or relating to a style of Greek architecture characterized by a bell-shaped capital covered with sculptured leaves

Etymology

Adjective

named for Corinth, region and city in ancient Greece