Asian

1 of 2

adjective

ˈā-zhən 

 also  -shən

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent of Asia or its people

Asian vs. Asiatic: Usage Guide

Asian is now solidly preferred to Asiatic; the latter persists mainly in the names of some kinds of flora and fauna.

an Asiatic lily

the Asiatic elephant

Asiatic still has some use as a geographical designator

the Asiatic side of the Bosporus

but has increasingly been considered offensive, especially as associated with the policies of colonialism.

Asian

2 of 2

noun

1

: a native or inhabitant of Asia

2

: a person of Asian descent

Examples of Asian in a Sentence

Noun

There are many Asians living in South America.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Growing up in Malaysia, T.K. was exposed to a mix of Asian and Western cultures throughout his academic career. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024

Biden has sought to strengthen ties with Asian nations to better counter China’s growing military and economic influence in the Asia-Pacific region. —Mark Niquette / Bloomberg, TIME, 18 Sep. 2024

Noun

Sakshi Venkatraman Sakshi Venkatraman is a reporter for NBC Asian America. —Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 15 Aug. 2024

The event is part of the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), taking place from October 5 to 8, during the Busan International Film Festival. —Sara Merican, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1550, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Asian

• anti-Asian
• Asian American
• Asian carp
• Asian citrus psyllid
• Asian elephant
• Asian flu
• Asian giant hornet
• Asian hornet
• Asian longhorn beetle
• Asian longhorned beetle
• Asian pear
• Asian tiger mosquito

Kids Definition

Asian

adjective

ˈā-zhən,

ˈā-shən

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Asia or its people

Asian noun