racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl 

1

: of, relating to, or based on a race (see race entry 1 sense 1a)

a racial minority

2

: existing or occurring between races (see race entry 1 sense 1a)

racial equality

racially

ˈrā-shə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• ethnic
• ethnical
• tribal

Examples of racial in a Sentence

What is your racial identity?

There was racial tension on campus.

Recent Examples on the Web

Similarly, Jackson’s rise during the Thriller era broke racial barriers on MTV, a platform that had largely excluded Black artists in its early years. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Apart is an intergenerational story that examines racial violence through the lens of motherhood. —Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 18 Dec. 2024

The political left, especially George Soros, have worked for racial divide by pushing very questionable theories of victimhood. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 Dec. 2024

In a 6-to-3 decision, the Supreme Court upheld Korematsu’s conviction, claiming that the evacuation order was legal and the executive order showed no racial prejudice. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

race entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing racial

• post-racial

Kids Definition

racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl 

: of, relating to, or based on race

racially

-shə-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl 

: of, relating to, or based on a race