Westerner

noun

West·​ern·​er ˈwe-stər-nər 

-stə-

1

: a native or inhabitant of the West

especially : a native or resident of the western part of the U.S.

2

: one advocating the adoption of western European culture especially in 19th century Russia

Examples of Westerner in a Sentence

Westerners tend to be unfamiliar with Asian customs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some version of what has come to be called nonviolent resistance dates back more than a century, but the distinction between armed and unarmed struggle became increasingly significant—to Westerners, at least—as Israel positioned itself as an ally in the U.S. war on terror. —Ben Ehrenreich, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

Inevitably, the Italian composer viewed China from a Westerner’s perspective, emphasizing exoticism and revenge. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025

The Ukrainian business climate, still overshadowed by Soviet-era inefficiencies and irregularities, remains difficult for Westerners to navigate. —Tamar Jacoby, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

But, in any case, Gave insists that many Westerners have been greatly underestimating the ability of Chinese firms to innovate, rather than merely copy. —John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Westerner

noun

West·​ern·​er ˈwes-tə(r)-nər 

: a person born or living in the West (as of the U.S.)