nonwhite

American  

[non-wahyt, -hwahyt] / nɒnˈwaɪt, -ˈʰwaɪt /

adjective

1. of or relating to a person or people who are not members of the sociocultural classification marked by slight pigmentation of the skin and associated with European descent.

   Both immigration and births contributed to nonwhite population growth in the most recent census.

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noun

1. a person who is not a member of the sociocultural classification marked by slight pigmentation of the skin and associated with European descent; a person of color.

Sensitive Note

Use of the word nonwhite to describe a population group has sometimes been criticized for implying in its very structure that “white” is the norm and anything else is a deviation from that norm. A more affirmative descriptive term, like person(s) of color, is often appropriate, as are other specific ethnic, cultural, or national designations. However, nonwhite is still in common use, especially in contexts where the focus is on statistical analyses of populations of European ancestry as distinguished from other populations. It is generally more acceptable as an adjective (strategies to get nonwhite voters to the polls) than as a noun (a candidate favored by nonwhites; the candidate who is a nonwhite ).

Etymology

Origin of nonwhite

First recorded in 1920–25; non- + white

Example Sentences

It is for this reason that transgender people who survive violence often find themselves transformed from victims into suspects—especially if they are nonwhite and/or low-income.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

The court held that the legislative determination creating a powerful nonwhite majority was justified by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Many people in the key groups with which he made crucial inroads in the last election – such as young men and nonwhite voters – have turned from him.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Study researchers also determined that shows on streaming services benefited from expanding horizons in their storytelling and including content centered around nonwhite cultures, as well as LGBTQ+, disabled groups and women.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

All at once I caught a glimpse of nonwhite faces—my people serving food behind the counter.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals