Hispanic

[ hi-span-ik ]

/ hɪˈspæn ɪk /

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adjective

of or relating to Spanish-speaking Latin America: the United States and its Hispanic neighbors.

Also His·pan·o

[hi-span-oh, -spah-noh] /hɪˈspæn oʊ, -ˈspɑ noʊ/ . of or relating to people of Spanish-speaking descent: Hispanic students;the Hispanic vote;Hispanic communities.Compare Latino (def. 1).

noun

Also called His·pan·o-A·mer·i·can

[hi-span-oh-uh-mer-i-kuhn, -spah-noh], /hɪˈspæn oʊ əˈmɛr ɪ kən, -ˈspɑ noʊ/, His·pan·ic A·mer·i·can . a citizen or resident of the United States who is of Spanish or Spanish-speaking Latin American descent. Compare Latino (def. 2).

a person whose primary or native language is Spanish.

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There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Hispanic

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

usage note for Hispanic

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).

OTHER WORDS FROM Hispanic

His·pan·i·cal·ly, adverbnon-His·pan·ic, adjectivepre-His·pan·ic, adjectivetrans-His·pan·ic, adjective

Words nearby Hispanic

hirundine, his, his-and-her, hisn, Hispania, Hispanic, Hispanicism, Hispanicist, Hispanicize, hispanidad, Hispaniola

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Hispanic in a sentence

But at the same time, since Zimmerman, you've been hearing cases about officers killing black children—black men, Hispanic men.
Justice League Vigil for Slain NYPD Officers Asks Whose Life Matters|Olivia Nuzzi|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A more recent phenomenon in the political universe is politicians of Hispanic heritage who are not fluent in Spanish.
Which Potential Candidates Speak Spanish—and Will It Matter?|Eleanor Clift|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Seventy percent of Hispanic Americans reported being very or somewhat concerned about climate change, and 57 percent of blacks.
Extreme Weather? Blame the End Times|Jay Michaelson|November 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Hispanic Republican moderate Brian Sandoval just won a landslide reelection in Nevada.
Could This Be the First Pro-Choice Republican on a National Ticket?|David Freedlander|November 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Sen. Ted Cruz, one of two Hispanic Republicans in the Senate, accused Democrats of “pigeonholing” minority candidates.
The Republican Rainbow Coalition Is Real|Tim Mak|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The geometrical patterns and spiral ornaments, which also occur in Hispanic majolica, have a Moorish flavor.
North Devon Pottery and Its Export to America in the 17th Century|C. Malcolm Watkins
African American and Hispanic students posted all-time highs.
State of the Union Addresses of George W. Bush|George W. Bush
It was situated in Hispanic Bœtica, having been built by Marcellus.
Ruins of Ancient Cities (Vol. I of II)|Charles Bucke
Of all the Hispanic nations, however, Brazil was easily the most stable.
The Hispanic Nations of the New World|William R. Shepherd
In 1876 these Hispanic nations stood on the threshold of a new era.
The Hispanic Nations of the New World|William R. Shepherd

British Dictionary definitions for Hispanic

Hispanic

/ (hɪˈspænɪk) /

adjective

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

noun

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

usage for Hispanic

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012