anzac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, historical, commemorative
Quick answer
What does “anzac” mean?
A soldier from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), especially one who fought at Gallipoli in World War I.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soldier from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), especially one who fought at Gallipoli in World War I.
A term referring to the collective body of soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who served together in wars; by extension, a symbol of national identity, courage, and sacrifice for both nations. Also used attributively (e.g., Anzac Day, Anzac spirit).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is specific to Australian and New Zealand history and culture. In British and American English, it is a known historical/geopolitical term but carries no intrinsic cultural weight. Usage is almost exclusively in historical or reportorial contexts.
Connotations
In AU/NZ: reverence, sacrifice, national pride, mateship. In UK/US: neutral historical reference to Australasian troops.
Frequency
Very high frequency in Australian and New Zealand English, especially around April (Anzac Day). Low frequency in British and American English, except in historical or international news contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anzac” in a Sentence
[the] Anzac + noun (Day, spirit, soldier)[as] an Anzachonour the AnzacsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in tourism (Anzac Day tours) or retail (sale of Anzac biscuits, commemorative merchandise).
Academic
Common in history, military studies, sociology, and Australasian studies papers.
Everyday
Common in Australia and New Zealand, especially in April. Used in news, conversations about history, and commemorative events.
Technical
Used in military history as a specific designation for the corps and its members.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anzac”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anzac”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anzac”
- Pronouncing it /ænˈzæk/ (an-ZACK). Correct is AN-zac. Spelling it in all lowercase in formal/historical writing. Using it as a generic term for any Australian or New Zealander.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The official historical acronym is ANZAC (all caps). In modern common usage, especially when used adjectivally (e.g., Anzac Day), it is often capitalised only initially.
A sweet oat-based biscuit/cookie originally sent to Anzac soldiers abroad because the ingredients did not spoil easily. It is now a popular commercial and homemade item.
Primarily Australia and New Zealand. However, commemorative services are also held in places with historical connections, like Gallipoli in Turkey and London in the UK.
In Australia and New Zealand, the use of the word 'Anzac' is protected by law and generally cannot be used for commercial purposes without permission, to protect its dignity.
A soldier from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), especially one who fought at Gallipoli in World War I.
Anzac is usually formal, historical, commemorative in register.
Anzac: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.zæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.zæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the Anzac spirit”
- “true to the Anzac tradition”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANZAC = Australian New Zealand Army Corps. Think of 'ANZ' as the country codes and 'AC' as Army Corps.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATION AS FAMILY (The Anzacs are our forefathers), SACRIFICE AS FOUNDATION (Anzac sacrifice built the nation).
Practice
Quiz
What does ANZAC originally stand for?