Asian

1 of 2

adjective

ˈā-zhən 

 also  -shən

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent of Asia or its people

Asian vs. Asiatic: Usage Guide

Asian is now solidly preferred to Asiatic; the latter persists mainly in the names of some kinds of flora and fauna.

an Asiatic lily

the Asiatic elephant

Asiatic still has some use as a geographical designator

the Asiatic side of the Bosporus

but has increasingly been considered offensive, especially as associated with the policies of colonialism.

Asian

2 of 2

noun

1

: a native or inhabitant of Asia

2

: a person of Asian descent

Examples of Asian in a Sentence

Noun

There are many Asians living in South America.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Read More: How Avatar: The Last Airbender Is a Love Letter to Asian and Indigenous Cultures One user on X responded to Huang’s post, introducing herself as an administrator of the Disabled Voice Actors Database, a directory of working voice actors who have disabilities. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 12 June 2024

Eventually, Alma will break off their engagement after discovering that Daniel, the book’s titular fetishist, has been having an affair with another Asian American woman. —The New Yorker, 12 June 2024

Noun

According to the National Museum of Asian Art, the Lunar New Year, commonly known as the Spring Festival in China, celebrates the beginning of spring and the start of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. —Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 June 2024

Similar to CityBeat's Burger Week and Asian Cuisine Week, restaurants around town will offer specials and lower prices as part of the festivities, including $5-$7 deals on certain menu items. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 12 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1550, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Asian

• anti-Asian
• Asian American
• Asian carp
• Asian citrus psyllid
• Asian elephant
• Asian flu
• Asian giant hornet
• Asian hornet
• Asian longhorn beetle
• Asian longhorned beetle
• Asian pear
• Asian tiger mosquito

Kids Definition

Asian

adjective

ˈā-zhən,

ˈā-shən

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Asia or its people

Asian noun