South Asian

1 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of South Asia (a region of indefinite boundaries usually thought of as including all or some of the following countries: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives) or its people

South Asian

2 of 2

noun

plural South Asians
1
: a native or inhabitant of South Asia
2
: a person of South Asian descent

Examples of South Asian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Malsons has emerged as one of the most influential indies in South Asian music. Jem Aswad, Variety, 15 June 2026 Staying true to its South Asian roots, key ingredients include amla fruit extract (more commonly known as Indian gooseberry oil), which is rich in vitamin C to brighten bouts of hyperpigmentation and protect skin against free radicals (which can fast-track signs of aging). Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026 Nowak was white, and his killer was of a Sikh, South Asian background. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 And the show is also meant to be kind of a real love letter to the South Asian communities of London. Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 Bass is the first Black woman to hold the post, and Raman could be the first South Asian woman in the job. Michael R. Blood, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 March 13, 2026 For Gen Z neophytes and hardcore fans overseas (South Asian and Nigerian Mike zealots apparently have a lot to say on the matter), the idea of MJ/Prince ever being a rivalry is laughable. Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026 The pair are expected to become the youngest South Asian women who have traveled to space, according to Virgin Galactic. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 June 2026 Here a 'Vogue Audrey' mandevilla takes center stage among 'Baby Tut' dwarf papyrus, a South Asian elephant ear plant, and a South American 'Blackie' sweet potato vine. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1821, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of South Asian was in 1821

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Cite this Entry

“South Asian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/South%20Asian. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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