# levant

/ɫəˈvænt/ (US) · /ləvˈænt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/levant
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the region

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the historical name for the countries along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

For teachers: a historical and cultural region of West Asia, typically comprising Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cyprus.

- Many ancient trade routes passed through the Levant on their way to Europe.
- Scholars of the Levant often study the complex intersection of Ottoman history and the development of modern nation-states in the eastern Mediterranean.

Usage: Usually capitalized as 'the Levant'.

### 2. the wind

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a strong wind that blows from the east in the western Mediterranean Sea.

For teachers: an easterly wind, often strong and moist, occurring in the western Mediterranean Sea and the southern coast of Spain.

- The sailors waited for the levant to die down before leaving the harbour.
- The levant brought heavy mists to the Rock of Gibraltar, significantly reducing visibility for the incoming naval vessels.

### 3. to run away from debt

verb · CEFR C2 · British English · Informal

to leave suddenly and secretly to avoid paying money you owe.

For teachers: to abscond or run away, particularly to avoid the payment of a gambling debt or other financial obligation.

- He lost a fortune at the races and decided to levant before his creditors arrived.
- Having squandered his inheritance on high-stakes wagers, the young lord chose to levant to the continent rather than face his debtors.

Usage: Often followed by 'to' a location.

### 4. eastern

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

a poetic way to describe something coming from the east.

For teachers: relating to the east; eastern in origin or position.

- The levant sun began to glow over the distant hills.
- The poet described the levant breeze as a herald of the coming dawn, carrying scents from distant lands.

## Examples

- The Levant has a rich history of trade and culture.
- Archaeologists are studying ancient trade routes that connected the Levant with the Nile Delta.
- Scholars often examine the Levant as a crossroads of civilizations, where diverse linguistic and religious traditions have intersected for millennia due to its strategic coastal position.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.