racial

[ rey-shuhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the social construct of race:

   racial diversity;

   racial stereotypes.

2. (no longer in technical use) of, relating to, or characteristic of one race or the races of humankind.

racial

/ ˈreɪʃəl /

adjective

1. denoting or relating to the division of the human species into races on grounds of physical characteristics
2. characteristic of any such group
3. relating to or arising from differences between the races

   racial harmony

4. of or relating to a subspecies

Derived Forms

• ˈracially, adverb

Other Words From

• racial·ly adverb
• anti·racial adjective
• non·racial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of racial¹

First recorded in 1860–65; race ² + -ial

Example Sentences

Among other inequalities, current generations of Black older adults received education from a system impacted by racial segregation and racial discrimination.

From Science Daily

The visit was to arrange a time to do an interview as part of an investigation into alleged incitement to racial hatred, following a complaint from a member of the public, the force said.

From BBC

He had claimed two men targeted him in a hate-crime, yelling racial slurs and putting a noose around his neck while he was walking down the street near his apartment.

From BBC

At a July gathering of Black journalists, he suggested those defendants were the victims of a “very tough system” that treated them more severely than racial justice demonstrators who have caused damage in other cities.

From Los Angeles Times

Nor is the electorate raring to revive patriarchal domination and racial oligarchy.

From Salon