African–American

noun Af·ri·can–Amer·i·can \ˌa-fri-kə-nə-ˈmer-ə-kən, -ˈme-rə- also ˌä-\

: an American who has African and especially black African ancestors

Full Definition of AFRICAN-AMERICAN

: an American of African and especially of black African descent

— African–American adjective

See African–American defined for English-language learners

See African-American defined for kids

1831

AFRICAN-AMERICAN Defined for Kids

noun

: an American having African and especially black African ancestors

— African–American adjective

Next Word in the Dictionary: African–American Vernacular EnglishPrevious Word in the Dictionary: AfricanaAll Words Near: African-American

What made you want to look up African-American? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears