Caucasian
Caucasian (adj) means relating to people classified by an older racial system as white or of European descent. Example: “The form asked applicants to select their ethnicity, including Caucasian.”
How to use Caucasian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly used today as a formal or clinical synonym for "white" (as a racial category); more literally, it refers to the actual Caucasus region and its peoples.
Many style guides now prefer "white" over "Caucasian" in general writing, reserving "Caucasian" for its original geographic sense.
Word forms
more Caucasian comparative, Caucasians plural, most Caucasian superlative
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The form asked applicants to select their ethnicity, including _____.
Etymology
From Caucasus, the mountain range, + -ian. The racial-classification sense was popularized in the 1790s by the German scientist Johann Friedrich Blumenbach, who mistakenly believed the first humans originated there — the theory itself is no longer considered scientifically valid.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Caucasian
See all rhymes for Caucasian →Frequently asked questions
What does “Caucasian” mean?
The word “Caucasian” means relating to people classified by an older racial system as white or of European descent. In plain terms, most commonly used today as a formal or clinical synonym for "white" (as a racial category); more literally, it refers to the actual Caucasus region and its peoples.
How do you pronounce “Caucasian”?
“Caucasian” is pronounced kaw-KAY-zhuhn (/kɔˈkeɪ.ʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “Caucasian” in a sentence?
Here is “Caucasian” used in a sentence: “The form asked applicants to select their ethnicity, including Caucasian.”
What part of speech is “Caucasian”?
Depending on how it is used, “Caucasian” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “Caucasian” come from?
The word “Caucasian” dates back to around 1790 and comes from German.
Is “Caucasian” a common word?
“Caucasian” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Caucasian” have?
“Caucasian” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to people classified by an older racial system as white or of European descent.
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