Hispanic

American  

[hi-span-ik] / hɪˈspæn ɪk /

adjective

1. Spanish.

2. of or relating to Spanish-speaking Latin America.

   the United States and its Hispanic neighbors.

3. Also Hispano of or relating to people of Spanish-speaking descent: the Hispanic vote;

   Hispanic students;

   the Hispanic vote;

   Hispanic communities.

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noun

1. Also called Hispano-American.  Also called Hispanic American.  a citizen or resident of the United States who is of Spanish or Spanish-speaking Latin American descent.

2. a person whose primary or native language is Spanish.

Hispanic British  

/ hɪˈspænɪk /

adjective

1. relating to, characteristic of, or derived from Spain or Spanish-speaking countries

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noun

1. a person of Latin-American or Spanish descent living in the US

Usage

Some words that describe national or ethnic identities are acceptable as plural nouns, but are more controversial as singular nouns. This is the case for Hispanic. It’s often acceptable as a plural noun (a candidate favored by Hispanics ). However, it may sometimes be less so as a singular noun (the candidate who is a Hispanic ). Such words are always perfectly appropriate as adjectives (strategies to get Hispanic voters to the polls).

his is the word most generally used in the US to refer to people of Latin American or Spanish ancestry

Other Word Forms

• Hispanically
  adverb
• non-Hispanic
  adjective
• pre-Hispanic
  adjective
• trans-Hispanic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Hispanic

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin hispānicus, “Spanish”; see Hispania, -ic

Example Sentences

They did find one notable exception: For black, Hispanic and first-generation students from low-income families, selectivity did predict higher earnings.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

So I continued with my own research, calling someone I was sure would have a fit about the idea: Los Angeles County Hispanic Republican Club President David Hernandez.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

About 63% of Hispanic workers, 52% of Black workers and 44% of Asian-American workers lack access to an employer-provided retirement plan. 

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Hispanic patients showed a stronger association between elevated NLR and dementia risk, though it remains unclear whether this reflects genetic influences or social factors such as differences in access to care.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

Some big reception and open-house event for the Hispanic Center in town, the biggest job Maldonado Catering ever got.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King