Anglo-Saxon

UK: /ˌæŋɡləʊ ˈsæksən/ | US: /ˌæŋɡloʊ ˈsæksən/

Definition

  1. n. 1. A member of the Germanic peoples (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) who settled in England in the 5th–6th centuries.

  2. n. 2. The Old English language or culture of these peoples.

  3. adj. Relating to the Angles, Saxons, or their language/culture.

Structure
anglo <Angle (tribe name)>saxon <Saxon (tribe name)>
Etymology

The term combines "Anglo" (from the Angles, a Germanic tribe originating from modern-day Denmark/Germany) and "Saxon" (from the Saxons, another Germanic tribe). Historically, these groups migrated to Britain after the Roman withdrawal, merging their dialects to form Old English. The hyphenated form emerged in the 18th century to describe their collective identity and linguistic legacy.

Examples

  1. The Anglo-Saxon period laid the foundation for English law and governance.

  2. Beowulf is the most famous surviving Anglo-Saxon epic poem.

  3. Many Anglo-Saxon words are still used in modern English.

  4. Archaeologists uncovered an Anglo-Saxon burial site in Suffolk.

  5. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a key historical record of early England.