Asian

1 of 2

adjective

ˈā-zhən 

 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

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

Some questioned why Schmidt was singling out Asian Americans given that there were people of other backgrounds — white, Black, Middle Eastern — who also supported the math honors programs. —Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 28 Oct. 2024

Hwang Dong-hyuk, who was the first Asian to win an Emmy for outstanding directing in a drama series, is back in the saddle, resuming his role as director, writer and producer. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1550, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Asian

• anti-Asian
• Asian American
• Asian carp
• Asian citrus psyllid
• Asian elephant
• Asian flu
• Asian giant hornet
• Asian hornet
• Asian longhorn beetle
• Asian longhorned beetle
• Asian pear
• Asian tiger mosquito

Kids Definition

Asian

adjective

ˈā-zhən,

ˈā-shən

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Asia or its people

Asian noun