poor white

noun

often disparaging + offensive

Examples of poor white 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.
In plain English, a poor white neighborhood and a poor Black neighborhood have more in common with each other than either does with a wealthy neighborhood. Darvio Morrow, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poor white was in 1819

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Cite this Entry

“Poor white.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poor%20white. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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