Laotian

noun

Lao·​tian lā-ˈō-shən How to pronounce Laotian (audio) ˈlau̇-shən How to pronounce Laotian (audio)
1
: a native or inhabitant of Laos
also : lao sense 1
2
: lao sense 2
Laotian adjective

Examples of Laotian 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.
When Hank and Peggy meet a new family who has moved into the neighborhood, the Laotian Souphanousinphones, Hank immediately dislikes the father, Kahn, who is abrasive, competitive, and often rude. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026 Now, in the hot and humid Laotian early summer, their team trekked four kilometers through dense jungle in search of the missing men, in an area about 55 kilometers (35 miles) east of the lush, scenic backpacker hotspot of Vang Vieng. — Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 Stories abound in every survivor of the Rwandan genocide, every Hmong refugee who fled the Laotian Civil War, every Iranian trying to protect their families from American missiles. — Literary Hub, 8 Apr. 2026 The two are Asian American – one of Chinese descent and the other Laotian/Thai. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Laotian

Word History

Etymology

probably from French laotien, adjective & noun, from Lao

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Laotian was in 1847

Rhymes for Laotian

See All Rhymes for Laotian

Browse Nearby Words

Laos
Laotian
Lao-tzu
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laotian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Laotian. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Laotian

noun
Lao·​tian lā-ˈō-shən How to pronounce Laotian (audio) ˈlau̇-shən How to pronounce Laotian (audio)
1
: a person born or living in Laos
also : lao sense 1
2
: lao sense 2
Laotian adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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