Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of a people of unknown origin living in the western Pyrenees in France and Spain: A Basque is a person belonging to an indigenous ethnic group inhabiting a region spanning parts of northeastern Spain and southwestern France.
   • The language of the Basque people; of no known relation to any other language: Basque (also called Euskara) is the language spoken by this people. It is a language isolate, meaning it has no demonstrable genetic relationship to any other known language.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Person):
  • My neighbor is a Basque from the French side of the Pyrenees.
  • The Basques have a rich cultural heritage distinct from their Spanish and French neighbors.
• Noun (Language):
  • She is studying the Basque language.
  • Basque is considered one of Europe's oldest languages.

Advanced Usage

• "Basque Country": Refers to the cultural region inhabited by the Basque people, known as in Basque. It is not a single political entity but encompasses several provinces in Spain and France.
  • We traveled through the Basque Country to experience its unique cuisine and traditions.

Variants and Related Words

• Basque (adjective): Pertaining to the Basque people, their language, or their culture.
  • We enjoyed a traditional Basque meal.
  • She researches Basque folklore.
• Euskara (noun): The native name for the Basque language.
• Euskaldun (noun): A Basque speaker; a person who knows the Basque language.

Synonyms

• (For the person): There is no direct single-word synonym. Can be described as "a native of the Basque Country" or "an Euskaldun."
• (For the language): Euskara.

Related Phrases

• Basque pelota: A variety of court sports (like jai alai) traditional to the Basque region.
  • Basque pelota is a fast-paced and exciting game to watch.

Noun

1. the language of the Basque people; of no known relation to any other language
2. a member of a people of unknown origin living in the western Pyrenees in France and Spain