noun

mulatto

muu-LA-toh

Mulatto (noun) means a historical term, now widely considered dated or offensive, for a person of mixed Black and white ancestry. Example: “The term "mulatto" appears in older census records but is now rarely used.”

noun

A historical term, now widely considered dated or offensive, for a person of mixed Black and white ancestry.

"The term "mulatto" appears in older census records but is now rarely used."

"Historians note the word fell out of favour by the late 20th century."

How to use mulatto

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned, now-controversial term for someone of mixed Black and white parentage.

When to use it

This word is dated and considered offensive by many today; "biracial" or "mixed-race" are the preferred modern terms.

Word forms

mulattoes plural, mulattos plural

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Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish/Portuguese mulato, related to mulo ("mule"), possibly alluding to mixed origin.

Origin: Spanish

Frequently asked questions

What does “mulatto” mean?

The word “mulatto” means a historical term, now widely considered dated or offensive, for a person of mixed Black and white ancestry. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, now-controversial term for someone of mixed Black and white parentage.

How do you pronounce “mulatto”?

“Mulatto” is pronounced muu-LA-toh (/mʊˈlɑtoʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “mulatto” in a sentence?

Here is “mulatto” used in a sentence: “The term "mulatto" appears in older census records but is now rarely used.”

What part of speech is “mulatto”?

“Mulatto” is a noun.

Where does the word “mulatto” come from?

The word “mulatto” comes from Spanish. Borrowed from Spanish/Portuguese mulato, related to mulo ("mule"), possibly alluding to mixed origin.

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Vocabulary lists that include mulatto:

Words with Spanish origins