: 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.
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
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
Interesting Engineering has widely reported on the megascale renewable energy projects that the Asian giant has undertaken in recent years.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
Saudi Arabia has a contract to host the event until 2029, but the Gulf nation hosting next year’s Asian Cup — which clashes with Spanish football’s scheduling of the tournament — has led to an alternative location in the Middle East being sought by the RFEF.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for Asian
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Adjective
The platform aimed to merge South Asian and Western pop cultures.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
Interesting Engineering has widely reported on the megascale renewable energy projects that the Asian giant has undertaken in recent years.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
The spa Asian—specifically, Balinese—influences are again evident in the decor, massage techniques, and ingredients used at the 30,000-square-foot Mandara Spa, the Atlantis location of the beloved wellness brand that operates at resorts around the world and on Norwegian Cruise Line sailings.
—Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
Saudi Arabia has a contract to host the event until 2029, but the Gulf nation hosting next year’s Asian Cup — which clashes with Spanish football’s scheduling of the tournament — has led to an alternative location in the Middle East being sought by the RFEF.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for Asian
Cite this Entry
“Asian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Asian. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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