Chicano

noun

Chi·​ca·​no chi-ˈkä-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce Chicano (audio)
 also  shi-
plural Chicanos
: an American and especially a man or boy of Mexican descent
Chicano adjective

Examples of Chicano in a Sentence

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.
Immigrant workers have always gone hand in hand with the restaurant industry, said Kevin Johnson, a professor of public interest law and Chicano studies at UC Davis. Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025 Longoria returned to school, receiving a master's degree in Chicano and Chicana Studies from California State University of Northridge (CSUN) in 2013 — all while filming Desperate Housewives. Maria Yagoda, People.com, 21 June 2025 The lineup fittingly includes a diverse selection of dance, from belly dancing to Chicano ballet folklórico and tap dancing. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 5 June 2025 The Sabor Del Barrio entrance fee is $45 and includes access to a trolley for transportation to various parts of the event and entry to art galleries and museums such as the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, The Athenaeum Art Center, Studio Culture and Bread & Salt. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for Chicano

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, alteration of Spanish mexicano Mexican

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Chicano was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“Chicano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Chicano. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

Chicano

noun
Chi·​ca·​no chi-ˈkän-ō How to pronounce Chicano (audio)
shi-
: an American and especially a man or boy of Mexican ancestry
Chicano adjective
Etymology

Mexican Spanish, an altered form of mexicano "Mexican"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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