1
: of, relating to, or based on a race (see race entry 1 sense 1a)
a racial minority
2
: existing or occurring between races (see race entry 1 sense 1a)
racial equality
Examples of racial in a Sentence
What is your racial identity?
There was racial tension on campus.
Recent Examples on the Web
As the national anthem played following their victories, Smith and Carlos expressed their anger about racial injustice in America by bowing their heads and raising their fists.
—
Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
After reporting Rotter, Walker said he was subjected to racial harassment and a hostile working environment, including being denied overtime, training and advancement opportunities, according to court filings.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Since the racial justice protests of 2020, however, political posting has existed under sustained suspicion as performative.
—Alessandra Schade, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
That racial trend holds true for the rest of the country, too.
—ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for racial
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Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
After reporting Rotter, Walker said he was subjected to racial harassment and a hostile working environment, including being denied overtime, training and advancement opportunities, according to court filings.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Since the racial justice protests of 2020, however, political posting has existed under sustained suspicion as performative.
—Alessandra Schade, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
That racial trend holds true for the rest of the country, too.
—ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for racial
Cite this Entry
“Racial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racial. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
racial
adjective
ra·cial
ˈrā-shəl 
: of, relating to, or based on a race
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