racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl 

1

: of, relating to, or based on a race (see race entry 1 sense 1a)

a racial minority

2

: existing or occurring between races (see race entry 1 sense 1a)

racial equality

racially

ˈrā-shə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of racial

• ethnic
• ethnical

Examples of racial in a Sentence

What is your racial identity?

There was racial tension on campus.

Recent Examples on the Web

Consider the systemic and structural racial and ethnic discrimination built into our system. —Nina Stachenfeld, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025

Actress Alley Mills Bean supported a Los Angeles City Council ban on certain racial slurs after hearing them used at a meeting. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 29 Nov. 2025

The artist’s new album — which earned Williams four Grammy nominations, including best alternative music album — sees the rocker reflecting on her upbringing in a Southern Christian community, as well as the history of racial tensions in the area. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

Be smart and avoid controversial subjects like politics, religion and racial matters. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

race entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing racial

• post-racial

Rhymes for racial

• facial
• glacial
• spacial
• spatial
• bifacial
• biracial
• palatial
• postglacial
• preglacial
• subglacial
• craniofacial
• interfacial

Kids Definition

racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl 

: of, relating to, or based on race

racially

-shə-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl 

: of, relating to, or based on a race