DictionaryAI

ethnic

ETH-nik/ˈɛθ.nɪk/

Noun pluralethnics

6 meanings of ethnic

Practice

  1. 1
    shared originsadjective
    Connected to a group of people who share the same culture, language, religion, or family background.

    Like belonging to a big family that shares the same customs and history.

    The city is home to many ethnic communities.

    Their ethnic traditions are passed down from parents to children.

    UsageSay ethnic group or ethnic background.

    Similarracial, cultural, national

    Note
  2. 2
    adjective
    Typical of the traditional food, clothes, music, or art of a people from another country or culture.

    Like a flavor or pattern that tells you something came from far away.

    The market sells ethnic foods from all over the world.

    She loves wearing the ethnic jewelry she bought while traveling.

    UsageSaying Thai food is often better than ethnic food.

    Similartraditional, folk

  3. 3
    immigrantnounoffensivecountable
    A person seen as foreign, or one who belongs to an immigrant community.

    In the 1970s, writers often talked about white ethnics in big cities.

    He was treated as an ethnic despite being born in the country.

    UsageName the group instead, such as Polish Americans.

    Similarforeigner, immigrant

    Oppositenative

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    adjectivearchaichistorical
    In older use, describing people who did not follow the Jewish, Christian, or Muslim religion.

    Similarpagan, heathen, gentile

    Note
  2. 5
    nounarchaic
    In old use, a person who did not follow the Jewish, Christian, or Muslim religion.
    Note
  3. 6
    noun
    The name used for a person from a particular Ancient Greek city.

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Latin ethnicus meaning "pagan," which came from Greek ethnikos, related to ethnos meaning "a people or nation."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 4 facts