a native or inhabitant of Italy
"The italian chef welcomed all the tourists to his family's restaurant in Rome."
the Romance language spoken in Italy
"She spoke fluent Italian when she moved to Rome last year."
An inhabitant of Italy, or a person of Italian descent.
"After years living abroad, Maria returned to her hometown in Tuscany as an proud italian who loves local cuisine."
In plain English: An Italian is someone who was born in Italy or has become an American citizen by being from there.
"We ordered two pizzas for ourselves and an Italian to share with our friends."
of or pertaining to or characteristic of Italy or its people or culture or language
"Italian cooking"
Pertaining to Italy, its people or its language.
"The italian community gathered to celebrate their heritage and speak their native language."
In plain English: Italian means something that comes from Italy, such as Italian food or an Italian person's language.
"We ordered some delicious Italian food at the new restaurant."
The word comes from the Latin term Italia, which means "Italy." It entered English via Middle English and Medieval Latin as an adjective describing things related to that country.