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

Yoon’s gamble backfired spectacularly, galvanizing many in the vibrant Asian democracy to call for his removal. —Jessie Yeung, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024

Turmeric, which comes from the root of Curcuma longa and is integral in South Asian cooking, packs all kinds of potential benefits, from chronic pain relief to muscle recovery. —Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2024

Noun

But the situation has improved and cricket's bid for inclusion was pushed by the Asian Cricket Council, who until recently were led by all-powerful Jay Shah. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

The truck’s offerings focused on Mexican and Southeast Asian infused Texas barbecue. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Dec. 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