: 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.
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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
In 2023, white men outnumbered white women 2-to-1 among executives; Asian men outnumbered Asian women by almost 3-to-1; and Hispanic men outnumbered Hispanic women 3-to-1, the data shows.
—Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
Stan Tekiela, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Kimmy Yam Kimmy Yam is a reporter for NBC Asian America.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for Asian 
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Adjective
In contrast, Asian students, despite high levels of academic achievement, report the lowest confidence levels.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
In 2023, white men outnumbered white women 2-to-1 among executives; Asian men outnumbered Asian women by almost 3-to-1; and Hispanic men outnumbered Hispanic women 3-to-1, the data shows.
—Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
Similar to our native Ladybugs, the Asian Lady Beetle was introduced on purpose to North America to control aphids in agricultural crops.
—Stan Tekiela, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Kimmy Yam Kimmy Yam is a reporter for NBC Asian America.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for Asian
Dictionary Entries Near Asian
Cite this Entry
“Asian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Asian. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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