THE FIRST WORD

Hibernian

PRONUNCIATION:

(hy-BUR-nee-uhn) 

MEANING:

adjective: Of or relating to Ireland.
noun: A native or inhabitant of Ireland.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Hibernia, the Latin name for Ireland. The word hibernate is from Latin hibernare (to spend the winter). Earliest documented use: 1632.

USAGE:

"This lively bar is long on Hibernian charm, and patrons are smitten with the pub's thick Irish stew."
Indianapolis Monthly; Sep 2008.