First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1ethnic
adjective eth·nic \ˈeth-nik\
: of or relating to races or large groups of people who have the same customs, religion, origin, etc.
: associated with or belonging to a particular race or group of people who have a culture that is different from the main culture of a country
Full Definition of ETHNIC
1
: heathen
2
a : of or relating to large groups of people classed according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin or background <ethnic minorities> <ethnic enclaves> b : being a member of a specified ethnic group <an ethnic German> c : of, relating to, or characteristic of ethnics <ethnic neighborhoods> <ethnic foods>
See ethnic defined for English-language learners
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ETHNIC
Middle English, from Late Latin ethnicus, from Greek ethnikos national, gentile, from ethnos nation, people; akin to Greek ēthos custom — more at sib
Other Anthropology Terms
2ethnic
noun
: a person who belongs to a particular ethnic group
Full Definition of ETHNIC
: a member of an ethnic group; especially : a member of a minority group who retains the customs, language, or social views of the group
See ethnic defined for English-language learners
See ethnic defined for kids
First Known Use of ETHNIC
1941
Other Sociology Terms
ETHNIC Defined for Kids
ethnic
adjective eth·nic \ˈeth-nik\
Definition of ETHNIC for Kids
: of or relating to groups of people with common characteristics and customs <ethnic food>
— eth·ni·cal·ly \-ni-kə-lē\ adverb
Learn More About ETHNIC
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up ethnic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).