# persians

/ˈpɝʒənz/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/persians
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

people from the country of Iran or the ancient empire that was located there. It can also refer to people who speak the Persian language.

For teachers: individuals belonging to the ethnic group native to Iran or the historical inhabitants of the Persian Empire. Often used to refer to speakers of the Persian language regardless of their specific national citizenship.

## Examples

- The Persians built a vast empire in ancient times.
- Many modern Persians take great pride in their long history of literature, art, and architecture.
- The historical interactions between the Greeks and the Persians shaped much of the political landscape of the ancient Mediterranean world.

## Usage notes

- As a plural noun referring to a people, it takes a plural verb. When referring to the language, the singular form 'Persian' is used as an uncountable noun.

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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.