Swiss

1 of 2

noun

ˈswis How to pronounce Swiss (audio)
1
plural Swiss
a
: a native or inhabitant of Switzerland
b
: one that is of Swiss descent
2
often swiss : any of various fine sheer fabrics of cotton originally made in Switzerland
especially : dotted swiss
3
: swiss cheese

Swiss

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Switzerland or the Swiss

Examples of Swiss in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Saab recommends ivory or plaster finishes, such as Benjamin Moore’s ever-popular shade, Swiss Coffee. — Cori Sears, The Spruce, 21 June 2026 The Swiss are keeping the venue ready until mid-morning on Monday, allowing negotiations to run until then if necessary. — Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 21 June 2026
Adjective
Pattinson recently became a campaign ambassador for Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre — a brand previously worn by Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 These trains, currently on view at Turin’s Fondazione Agnelli, were shown last year at Luma Arles along with other recent work that extends the Swiss artist’s interest in mass consumption, the everyday object, and the circulation of images. — Caitlín Doherty, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Swiss

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French Suisse, from Middle High German Swīzer, from Swīz Switzerland

First Known Use

Noun

1515, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Swiss was in 1515

Phrases Containing Swiss

Rhymes for Swiss

See All Rhymes for Swiss

Browse Nearby Words

swishy
Swiss
Swiss Army
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Swiss. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Swiss

noun
ˈswis
1
plural Swiss
a
: a person born or living in Switzerland
b
: a person of Swiss ancestry
2
: a pale yellow firm cheese with many large holes
Swiss adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Swiss

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Swiss

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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