Asian

1 of 2

adjective

ˈā-zhən How to pronounce Asian (audio)
 also  -shən
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent of Asia or its people
Asian vs. Asiatic: Usage Guide

Asian is now solidly preferred to Asiatic; the latter persists mainly in the names of some kinds of flora and fauna.

an Asiatic lily
the Asiatic elephant

Asiatic still has some use as a geographical designator

the Asiatic side of the Bosporus

but has increasingly been considered offensive, especially as associated with the policies of colonialism.

Asian

2 of 2

noun

1
: a native or inhabitant of Asia
2
: a person of Asian descent

Examples of Asian in a Sentence

Noun There are many Asians living in South America.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Max rolled out in seven Asian countries today, but Warner Bros Discovery (WBD)’s streaming chief, JB Perrette, says there’s much work still to do. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024 Ramon Rivera, 51, allegedly fatally stabbed a 36-year-old Hispanic man and a 68-year-old Asian man. —Charna Flam, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
Despite the drop, the Indian billionaire remains the second richest Asian on the list, behind his countryman Mukesh Ambani. —Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Related Stories Business With Max Launching in 7 Asian Markets, Warner Bros. —Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Asian 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1550, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Asian was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing Asian

Dictionary Entries Near Asian

Asia Minor

Asian

Asian American

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Asian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Asian. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

Asian

adjective
ˈā-zhən,
ˈā-shən
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Asia or its people
Asian noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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