ethnicity

[ eth-nis-i-tee ]

noun

, plural eth·nic·i·ties.

1. an ethnic group; a social group that shares a common and distinctive culture, religion, language, or the like:

   Representatives of several ethnicities were present.

2. ethnic traits, background, allegiance, or association:

   The graph shows class enrollment by gender and ethnicity.

ethnicity

1. Identity with or membership in a particular racial, national, or cultural group and observance of that group's customs, beliefs, and language.

Usage Note

race ²

Notes

Many minority groups in the United States maintain strong ethnic identity; especially in cities, immigrants are often attracted to ethnic communities established by people from their own country, communities in which many traditional cultural features are maintained. ( See melting pot .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethnicity¹

First recorded in 1765–75, for earlier sense; ethnic + -ity

Example Sentences

Natalia Molina is a professor of American studies and ethnicity at USC.

From Los Angeles Times

The company, however, continues to face criticism about its privacy practices: earlier this year, it was sued by hundreds of users in the United Kingdom for allegedly sharing personal information — including HIV status and test dates, ethnicity and sexual orientation — with advertising companies without users’ consent.

From Los Angeles Times

Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said by focusing on Mr Kaba’s ethnicity, they had created "rumour and innuendo” which could “embolden those who work against the public".

From BBC

Hochman downplayed concerns about racial bias, citing an Assembly bill that requires information about the ethnicity of defendants and witnesses to be stripped from investigative reports before filing decisions are made.

From Los Angeles Times

What is one down-ballot item you are voting on that you think is particularly important: In New York, I’m voting on Ballot Proposal 1, which would enshrine a ban on discriminating against ethnicity, origin, age, disability, sex, and pregnancy in the state’s constitution.

From Slate