Briton

pronunciation

How to pronounce Briton in British English: UK [ˈbrɪtn]word uk audio image

How to pronounce Briton in American English: US [ˈbrɪtn] word us audio image

  • Noun:
    a native or inhabitant of Great Britain
    an inhabitant of southern Britain prior to the Anglo-saxon invasions
  • Adjective:
    characteristic of or associated with the Britons

Word Origin

Briton (n.)
Anglo-French Bretun, from Latin Brittonem (nominative Britto, misspelled Brito in MSS) "a member of the tribe of the Britons," from *Britt-os, the Celtic name of the Celtic inhabitants of Britain and southern Scotland before the 5c. Anglo-Saxon invasion drove them into Wales, Cornwall, and a few other corners. In 4c. B.C.E. Greek they are recorded as Prittanoi, which is said to mean "tattooed people." Exclusively in historical use after Old English period; revived when James I was proclaimed King of Great Britain in 1604, and made official at the union of England and Scotland in 1707.

Example

1. A briton was executed in mali by an al-qaeda cell .
2. The study found the average briton only knows two jokes .
3. Fewer than one briton in five believes official figures are produced objectively .
4. The average mexican now lives longer than the average briton did in 1955 .
5. Among the dead were 18 foreigners , including six americans and a briton .

more: >How to Use "Briton" with Example Sentences