noun
Uncommon
ethnicity
ehth-NIH-sih-tee
Ethnicity (noun) means the fact of belonging to a group defined by shared ancestry, culture, or nationality; or that group itself. Example: “The survey asked respondents to state their ethnicity.”
noun
1
The fact of belonging to a group defined by shared ancestry, culture, or nationality; or that group itself.
"The survey asked respondents to state their ethnicity."
"The neighbourhood is home to people of many different ethnicities."
"The form has an optional box where you can write your ethnicity."
How to use ethnicity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person's membership in a group defined by shared culture, ancestry, or nationality.
Common mistake
Ethnicity is about shared culture/ancestry/language; "race" is a related but distinct concept often based on physical traits — the two are commonly confused but not identical.
Common pairings
different ethnicities
ethnicity and race
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Word forms
- Plural
- ethnicities
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The survey asked respondents to state their _____.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ethnicity
See all rhymes for ethnicity →Frequently asked questions
What does “ethnicity” mean?
The word “ethnicity” means the fact of belonging to a group defined by shared ancestry, culture, or nationality; or that group itself. In plain terms, a person's membership in a group defined by shared culture, ancestry, or nationality.
How do you pronounce “ethnicity”?
“Ethnicity” is pronounced ehth-NIH-sih-tee (/ɛθˈnɪsɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “ethnicity” in a sentence?
Here is “ethnicity” used in a sentence: “The survey asked respondents to state their ethnicity.”
What part of speech is “ethnicity”?
“Ethnicity” is a noun.
Is “ethnicity” a common word?
“Ethnicity” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between ethnicity and race?
Ethnicity refers to belonging to a group defined by shared ancestry, culture, language, or nationality, while race is typically categorized by shared physical characteristics. The two concepts often overlap but are not identical: people of the same race can belong to different ethnicities, and people of the same ethnicity can identify with different races.
What is the difference between ethnicity and nationality?
Ethnicity is based on shared ancestry, culture, or heritage, while nationality refers to legal membership in a country, typically through citizenship. A person can hold one nationality while identifying with an ethnicity tied to a different cultural or ancestral background.
Can a person belong to more than one ethnicity?
Yes, a person can identify with more than one ethnicity if their ancestry, culture, or family background draws from multiple groups. This is common in multicultural families and is increasingly reflected in how people describe their identity.
