blackface

noun black·face \ ˈblak-ˌfās \

|Updated on: 29 Jun 2018

Definition of blackface

: makeup applied to a performer playing a black person especially in a minstrel show; also : a performer wearing such makeup

Recent Examples of blackface from the Web

In addition, in another scene, Wilder depicts white men wearing blackface for the entertainment of others - including her father.

— meagan flynn, chicagotribune.com, "Laura Ingalls Wilder's name stripped from children's book award over 'Little House' depictions of Native Americans," 26 June 2018
In addition, in another scene, Wilder depicts white men wearing blackface for the entertainment of others - including her father.

— meagan flynn, Anchorage Daily News, "Laura Ingalls Wilder's name stripped from children's book award over 'Little House' depictions of Native Americans," 25 June 2018
In addition, in another scene, Wilder depicts white men wearing blackface for the entertainment of others – including her father.

— meagan flynn, The Seattle Times, "Laura Ingalls Wilder’s name stripped from book award over ‘Little House’ depictions of Native Americans," 25 June 2018
Blackfaces’ for my band, with a design of a person in blackface?

— sonia k. katyal, BostonGlobe.com, "The sudden rush of vulgar trademarks," 23 June 2018
Racist, sexist and all-around offensive humor still seems to be a favorite pastime for college kids who love to use the n-word and smear on blackface for fun.

— angela helm, The Root, "15 Syracuse University Fraternity Members Suspended Over ‘Extremely Racist’ Video Skit," 10 June 2018
During a California Polytechnic State University multicultural weekend, white members of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity dressed as gang members — one in blackface.

— New York Times, "What’s the Biggest Challenge for Colleges and Universities?," 5 June 2018
In addition, Pusha used a controversial photo of a younger Drake in blackface for the album art.

— rebecca farley, refinery29.com, "The Curious Case Of Drake V. Pusha-T: "Story Of Adidon" Edition," 30 May 2018
Since Drake is biracial -- his mother is white and dad is African-American -- Pusha teases Drake for not being comfortable with his identity, which is likely the reason Pusha chose a photo of Drake painted in blackface for the cover art.

— nerisha penrose, Billboard, "Decoding the Lyrics to Pusha T's Fiery Drake Diss 'The Story of Adidon'," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'blackface.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of blackface

1847

in the meaning defined above

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