racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl How to pronounce racial (audio)
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 adverb

Examples of racial in a Sentence

What is your racial identity? There was racial tension on campus.
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.
Democratic lawmaker likens trans sports bans to racial segregation Washington Democratic state Rep. Kristine Reeves compared legislation banning trans athletes from women’s sports to racial segregation during a state House Education Committee session. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025 This doesn’t mean discrimination is less harmful for Black, Hispanic/Latino or other racial and ethnic groups. Monica Wang, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025 Especially today, when confusing and contradictory messages about racial and gender pioneers are rife, he should be celebrated as a unique and remarkable leader whose impact is still felt. James Stavridis, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2025 Listen to this article Three juveniles face burglary and criminal mischief charges in connection with graffiti found inside a building in Wallingford this week that included derogatory language and racial slurs, police said. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for racial

Word History

Etymology

race entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of racial was in 1854

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Racial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racial. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

racial

adjective
ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl How to pronounce racial (audio)
: of, relating to, or based on race
racially adverb

Medical Definition

racial

adjective
ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl How to pronounce racial (audio)
: of, relating to, or based on a race

More from Merriam-Webster on racial

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