Arab American

American  

[ar-uhb-uh-mer-i-kuhn] / ˈær əb əˈmɛr ɪ kən /

noun

1. a citizen or resident of the U.S. of Arab birth or descent.

---

adjective

1. of or relating to an Arab American.

2. Arab-American, occurring between the United States and Arabia or the Middle East.

   Diplomats predicted the deterioration of Arab-American relations with increased militarization of foreign policy.

Etymology

Origin of Arab American

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Egyptian American actor and comedian Ramy Youssef appeared on “Sesame Street” in mid-April to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

I asked him about the man in the Arab American caucus—the veteran who cried, who said he never thought he’d see something like that.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

Not once since our festival began in 2003 did any of the Arab American comedians fear that telling jokes about Bush — or any president — could come with a cost.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2025

James Zogby, founder of the Arab American Institute and a longtime Democratic advocate, woke up the day after Trump’s win and it hit him anew.

From Slate • Nov. 12, 2024

In 2020, Joe Biden’s margin of victory in Michigan was 154,000 votes, and the counties with the largest Arab American populations went decisively Democratic.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2024