n
1. [ pl ] a group of people who live in the US state of Pennsylvania , west of Philadelphia . They are descended from German (not Dutch) Protestant religious groups who settled there in the 17th and 18th centuries. They include the Amish , Mennonites and Moravians. They have a strict, simple way of life, wear plain black clothes and do not use machines, including cars. They are known for making beautiful furniture which is carved or painted with designs of flowers, birds, etc.
2. [ U ] the language of the Pennsylvania Dutch people. It is a form of German.