English

The flag of Prussia from 1892 to 1918.

Proper noun

Prussia

1. (chiefly historical) A geographical area on the Baltic coast of northeastern Europe.
2. (historical) A Baltic country located in this area, conquered by the Teutonic Order and ultimately absorbed into Germany.
3. (historical) A German province which was originally located in this area but later greatly expanded, and which was the predecessor to and a member of the German Empire; abolished as an administrative unit at the end of the Second World War.

Usage notes

In the Baltic languages the 'u' is long; it was also long in Middle English, but it has become short in modern English.

Related terms

• East Prussia
• Royal Prussia
• West Prussia

Translations