Black English

noun

variants or less commonly Black English vernacular

Examples of Black English in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web According to a Free Press article from that time, the district was ordered to better train its teachers to understand Black English. Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 25 Mar. 2024 The terminology used to describe Black English is also controversial. Samantha Chery, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2022 Nwandu’s language is spun from vernacular Black English that often resembles verse. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2021 Portraits of old white men hang throughout its hallowed halls, where a young Black English professor can’t seem to get tenure despite the popularity and relevance of her classes. BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2021 Following the match, however, there has been an ugly outpouring of racist comments on social media, directed at Black English players. Annie Goldsmith, Town & Country, 12 July 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Black English.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Black English was in 1734

Dictionary Entries Near Black English

Cite this Entry

“Black English.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Black%20English. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Black English

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