adj Common

Oriental

aw-ree-EHN-tuhl

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Oriental (adj) means relating to East Asia or, historically, the broader region east of Europe. Example: “The museum has a large collection of oriental ceramics.”

adj

Relating to East Asia or, historically, the broader region east of Europe.

"The museum has a large collection of oriental ceramics."

noun

A gem, especially a pearl, prized for its exceptional shine.

"The necklace was set with a fine oriental pearl."

How to use Oriental

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA term for things from East Asia, though it has fallen out of favor as a term for people and is now considered outdated or offensive in that use.

When to use it

Using "oriental" to describe a person is now widely considered dated and offensive; "Asian" is the standard modern term. The word is still fine for objects, cuisine, and some historical/design contexts (e.g. "oriental rug").

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Orientals
Comparative: more Oriental
Superlative: most Oriental

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The museum has a large collection of _____ ceramics.

Etymology

From Latin orientalis, "eastern," from oriens, "rising sun" — built on the same root as "orient."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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eastern

Antonyms

western

Related words

western eastern westerly hesperian

Rhymes for Oriental

mental dental rental parental elemental accidental ornamental judgmental incidental monumental regimental incremental

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Oriental” mean?

The word “Oriental” means relating to East Asia or, historically, the broader region east of Europe. In plain terms, a term for things from East Asia, though it has fallen out of favor as a term for people and is now considered outdated or offensive in that use.

How do you pronounce “Oriental”?

“Oriental” is pronounced aw-ree-EHN-tuhl (/ɔːɹiˈɛntəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “Oriental” in a sentence?

Here is “Oriental” used in a sentence: “The museum has a large collection of oriental ceramics.”

What part of speech is “Oriental”?

Depending on how it is used, “Oriental” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “Oriental” come from?

The word “Oriental” comes from Latin. From Latin orientalis, "eastern," from oriens, "rising sun" — built on the same root as "orient.".

Is “Oriental” a common word?

“Oriental” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Oriental” have?

“Oriental” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to East Asia or, historically, the broader region east of Europe.

Is the word Oriental still commonly used to describe people?

The adjective Oriental historically referred to East Asia or, more broadly, the region east of Europe, but its use to describe people has become dated and is now widely considered outdated or offensive in many English-speaking countries. More specific terms, such as "Asian" or a particular nationality, are generally preferred when referring to people.

What is the difference between Oriental and Asian?

Oriental historically described anything relating to East Asia or the broader region east of Europe, while "Asian" is the more current, neutral term covering the same geographic area. "Oriental" has largely fallen out of use for describing people, though it can still appear in older or specialized contexts, such as describing objects or gems.

What does Oriental mean when describing a pearl?

When describing a pearl, Oriental refers to a gem prized for its exceptional shine, historically associated with pearls sourced from waters near East Asia and the Persian Gulf. This usage is a specialized, older sense distinct from the geographic adjective.

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