Siberia

[sahy-beer-ee-uh] /saɪˈbɪər i ə/

noun

Russian Sibirʾ. an extensive region in the Russian Federation in N Asia, extending from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific.

any undesirable or isolated locale, job, etc., to which one is assigned as punishment, a mark of disfavor, or the like.

Related forms

Siberian, adjective, noun

trans-Siberian, adjective

Examples from the web for Siberia

Thousands of poles were executed, tens of thousands were deported to Siberia.
After seven months in prison, he was sentenced to two years exile in Siberia.
One center lies near baffin island and the other over northeast Siberia.

British Dictionary definitions for Siberia

Siberia

/saɪˈbɪərɪə/

noun

a vast region of Russia and N Kazakhstan: extends from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific and from the Arctic Ocean to the borders with China and Mongolia; colonized after the building of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Area: 13 807 037 sq km (5 330 896 sq miles)

Word Origin and History for Siberia

region in northwestern Asia, the name said to come from Sibir, ancient Tatar fortress at the confluence of the Tobol and Irtysh rivers. As a typical place of miserable banishment, it is attested from 1841. Related: Siberian.

Siberia in Culture

Siberia definition

Region of Russia stretching from north-central to northeastern Asia.

Note: Known for its vast space, long and severely cold winters, and few inhabitants widely scattered in small settlements, Siberia has been for many centuries a place of political and criminal exile for Russians who anger the government's authorities.

Note: As a consequence of Siberia's harsh conditions and its historical function as a place of punishment, to be “sent to Siberia” has become a metaphor for demotion, disgrace, or other forms of status diminution.