pertaining to or characteristic of a people, especially a group (ethnic group ) sharing a common and distinctive culture, religion, language, or the like.
referring to the origin, classification, characteristics, etc., of such groups.
being a member of an ethnic group, especially of a group that is a minority within a larger society: ethnic Chinese in San Francisco.
of, relating to, or characteristic of members of such a group.
belonging to or deriving from the cultural, religious, or linguistic traditions of a people or country: ethnic dances.
(of a human being) displaying characteristics, as in physical appearance, language, or accent, that can cause one to be identified by others as a member of a minority ethnic group: Her new boyfriend looks ethnic to me.
Obsolete. pagan; heathen.
noun
a member of an ethnic group.
Origin of ethnic
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English ethnik “heathen,” from Late Latin ethnicus, from Greek ethnikós; see ethno-, -ic
No Offense, These Words Used To Be InoffensiveDon't get caught on the wrong side of language by using these words that used to be inoffensive but can now do more harm than good.