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.
This lawsuit is part of broader federal efforts to address racial inequities in governance across the United States. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 The complaint names American Airlines, as well as the passenger who reported the plaintiffs and two airline employees as defendants and accuses them of racial discrimination. Liam Quinn, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025 In an era marked by bitter racial prejudice in America, Perle danced with any GI who asked, regardless of rank, ethnicity, or race. CBS News, 17 Jan. 2025 As racial barriers fell and onscreen representation increased in the early 1970s, the biggest gains were in half-hour comedies. Jim McKairnes, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near racial

Cite this Entry

“Racial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racial. Accessed 24 Jan. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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