noun
mulatto
muu-LA-toh
noun
1
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 notesIn 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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The term "_____" appears in older census records but is now rarely used.
Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish/Portuguese mulato, related to mulo ("mule"), possibly alluding to mixed origin.