Asian

1 of 2

adjective

ˈā-zhən How to pronounce Asian (audio)
 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
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.
Adjective
Braswell said the reopening Asian market, particularly China, was crucial for the forestry industry in the Southeast. Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025 Moose Jaw was actually unusual for its welcoming of Chinese immigrants, no small achievement in the often violently racist response to Asian immigrants to North America. JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
Awards will include the Tokyo Projects Award, worth $13,300 (JPY2M), selected by an industry jury; the Asian Gen‑Z Award, worth $3,300 (JPY500,000), chosen by a committee of Gen-Z film students; as well as in-kind awards from leading Asian post-production houses White Light and Kongchak. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025 Diwali celebrations begin by devotees deep cleaning their homes and surroundings to prepare for the goddess' arrival, the National Museum of Asian Art noted. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Asian

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1550, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Asian was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Asian. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

Asian

adjective
ˈā-zhən,
ˈā-shən
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Asia or its people
Asian noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!