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

The administration argues these initiatives exclude white and Asian American students. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

Sourcing Reputable Seaweed Many types of seaweed are available online and in stores, especially in Asian markets. —Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025

Noun

The big picture: The attack sparked national headlines and has increased awareness about violence and discrimination against Asian Americans. —Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025

Certain racial and ethnic groups, including people who are Black, Hispanic, and Asian, have higher rates of hypertension. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for Asian

• suasion
• abrasion
• caucasian
• equation
• eurasian
• evasion
• invasion
• occasion
• persuasion
• athanasian

Kids Definition

Asian

adjective

ˈā-zhən,

ˈā-shən

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

Asian noun