ethnicity

noun

eth·​nic·​i·​ty eth-ˈni-sə-tē How to pronounce ethnicity (audio)
plural ethnicities
Synonyms of ethnicitynext
1
: ethnic quality or affiliation
aspects of ethnicity
2
: a particular ethnic affiliation or group
students of diverse ethnicities

Synonyms

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Examples of ethnicity in a Sentence

a university with a student body of diverse ethnicities
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two other Fine bills scheduled for hearings – one that would place restrictions on public unions and another that would prohibit awarding government contracts based on race or ethnicity – were not taken up, increasing the chances they will be not be heard again this session. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025 According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Black women are more likely than other groups to report being treated unfairly by a healthcare provider due to their race and ethnicity. — Náosha Gregg, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 The PhD Project opened its membership application this year to students of all races and ethnicities. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025 Accessible to everyone One strength of the study was the diversity in the ages, races, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses of the population, Forcier said. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ethnicity

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ethnicity was in 1920

Rhymes for ethnicity

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Browse Nearby Words

ethnicism
ethnicity
ethnic minorities
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Cite this Entry

“Ethnicity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethnicity. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ethnicity

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