Korean

American  

[kuh-ree-uhn, kaw-, koh-] / kəˈri ən, kɔ-, koʊ- /

adjective

1. of or relating to Korea, its inhabitants, or their language.

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of South Korea or North Korea.

2. the language of South Korea or North Korea. Kor

Etymology

Origin of Korean

First recorded in 1605–15; Kore(a) + -an

Compare meaning

How does korean compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Korean vs. Vietnam War

Example Sentences

The South Korean consumer electronics giant’s operating profit likely rose 14% on year to 1.433 trillion won for the January-March period, beating the market consensus estimate of 1.376 trillion won, Cho reckons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The good news is that Lee & Co. are steaming ahead with improving a corporate-governance regime that still has 60% of listed Korean companies trading below book value, Lim says.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Matsumoto’s mother is of Korean descent and is principal at Hawthorne Math and Science Academy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Other pre-war winners, from gold to Korean stocks, also have slumped recently.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

They’re also second-generation Korean American, like my parents, because their English is definitely better than their Korean.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh