man of color

noun phrase

plural men of color
: a man whose skin pigmentation is other than and especially darker than what is considered characteristic of people typically defined as white (see white entry 1 sense 2a) : a man who is of a race (see race entry 1 sense 1a) other than white or who is of mixed race
The following tips and suggestions (born from personal experience as a man of color) are sure to bring relief to this recurring problem, and leave your skin smooth and refreshed.Nathan Townsie
From the beginning, its goal has been to attract young men of color—African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders—to the university and, once there, help them to succeed.Mike Bush

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of man of color was in 1788

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Cite this Entry

“Man of color.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/man%20of%20color. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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