I. ˈjər-mən noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin Germanus, from Latin
Date: 14th century
1. : a member of any of the Germanic peoples inhabiting western Europe in Roman times
2.
a. : a native or inhabitant of Germany
b. : a person of German descent
c. : one whose native language is German and who is a native of a country other than Germany
3.
a. : the Germanic language spoken mainly in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland
b. : the literary and official language of Germany
4. often not capitalized
a. : a dance consisting of intricate figures that are improvised and intermingled with waltzes
b. chiefly Midland : a dancing party ; specifically : one at which the german is danced
II. adjective
Date: 15th century
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Germany, the Germans, or German