non-Western

adjective

non-West·​ern ˌnän-ˈwe-stərn 

1

: not being part of the western tradition

non-Western countries

2

: of or relating to non-Western societies

non-Western values

Examples of non-Western in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For caregivers who need to make dietary modifications to traditional, non-Western cuisines, resources such as Oldways, a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, can provide global culinary examples that meet specific nutritional needs. — Minakshi Raj, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

The hypnotic motifs and stylized figures in these collections lit a fuse for Nilsson and her peers, seeding a fascination with non-Western art that has continued throughout her career. — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026

Industry groups with Kremlin connections are reportedly targeting a 25% share of the global market by 2030, with expansion concentrated in non-Western markets. — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Whereas last year Putin hosted China’s leader Xi Jinping and dozens of other foreign leaders, in a display of solidarity between non-Western powers, this year’s parade drew far fewer leaders to Moscow. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 9 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for non-Western

• northwestern
• southwestern
• western

Kids Definition

non-Western

adjective

non-West·​ern

(ˈ)nän-ˈwes-tərn

1

: not being part of the western tradition

non-Western countries

2

: of or relating to non-Western societies

non-Western values