In ancient Greece, the term designated non-Greeks, while in the Roman world it referred more generally to peoples living outside the cultural and political sphere of the empire. In modern English, the word …

barbarian, word derived from the Greek bárbaros, used among the early Greeks to describe all foreigners, including the Romans. The word is probably onomatopoeic in origin, the “bar bar” sound …

The meaning of BARBARIAN is a person from an alien land, culture, or group believed to be inferior, uncivilized, or violent —used chiefly in historical references.

BARBARIAN definition: a person in a savage, primitive state; uncivilized person. See examples of barbarian used in a sentence.

May 19, 2016 · The word “barbarian” originated in ancient Greece, and was initially used to describe all non-Greek-speaking peoples, including Persians, Egyptians, Medes and Phoenicians.

Today, "barbarian" is used to describe someone using excessive violence without considering other options. Although barbarian cultures generally worked against the advancement of civilization, there …

If you describe someone as a barbarian, you disapprove of them because they behave in a way that is cruel or uncivilized.

BARBARIAN meaning: 1. a member of a group of people from a very different country or culture that is considered to be…. Learn more.

Jan 20, 2026 · Adjective barbarian (not comparable) Relating to people, countries, or customs perceived as uncivilized or inferior.

Sep 2, 2022 · Barbarians — a word that today often refers to uncivilized people or evil people and their evil deeds — originated in ancient Greece, and it initially only referred to people who were from out of...