Chicano

noun

Chi·​ca·​no chi-ˈkä-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce Chicano (audio)
 also  shi-
plural Chicanos
: an American and especially a man or boy of Mexican descent
Chicano adjective

Examples of Chicano in a Sentence

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.
Chicago, Illinois October is great for: hoping to see another world record broken On October 12, Chicago’s marathon commandeers major stretches of the city for an urban adventure through almost 30 neighborhoods, whether LGBTQ+ hub Boystown or Pilsen, where Chicano culture has long held sway. AFAR Media, 4 Aug. 2025 Through a complicated process, Three Bone Theatre received the remaining $13,000 from its three-year, $20,000 grant to help put on a trilogy of plays that retell classic Greek tragedies from a modern Latino and Chicano perspective. Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2025 Then, one day not long ago, Cervenka was hanging out with Louie Perez III, the son of Los Lobos cofounder Louie Perez Jr., and a singer for the Chicano punk band Manic Hispanic. Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 25 July 2025 Immerse yourself in Chicano culture at the CaLOWfornia Love Exhibit Presented by the Sacramento Lowrider Commission, CaLOWfornia Love is an exhibit that honors the contributions of Chicanos and Latinos to California history through lowriding. Mariana Garcia, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for Chicano

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, alteration of Spanish mexicano Mexican

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Chicano was in 1947

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chicano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Chicano. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

Chicano

noun
Chi·​ca·​no chi-ˈkän-ō How to pronounce Chicano (audio)
shi-
: an American and especially a man or boy of Mexican ancestry
Chicano adjective
Etymology

Mexican Spanish, an altered form of mexicano "Mexican"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!