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 of racial

• ethnic
• ethnical

Examples of racial in a Sentence

What is your racial identity?

There was racial tension on campus.

Recent Examples on the Web

While no official cause of death has been released and no charges have been made in Wells’ case, his death sparked racial tensions and widespread scrutiny after photos showed Wells surrounded by White friends while on the trip. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Her series on school segregation, Nice White Parents, examined how progressive Brooklyn families undermined racial integration. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026

Children’s literature can humanize Black people in a way that news coverage, television, films and school textbooks and curriculum often do not, helping to combat racial bias and stereotypes. — Brooke Harris Garad, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

Three former employees have sued Life University alleging racial discrimination. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

race entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing racial

• post-racial

Rhymes for racial

• facial
• glacial
• spacial
• spatial
• bifacial
• biracial
• palatial
• postglacial
• preglacial
• subglacial
• craniofacial
• interfacial

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