Latino

American  

[luh-tee-noh, la-] / ləˈti noʊ, læ- /

Or latino

adjective

1. of or relating to people of Latin American origin or descent, especially those living in the United States: Latino audiences;

   Latino business owners;

   Latino audiences;

   the Latino community;

   Latino immigrants.

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noun

plural

Latinos

1. a person of Latin American origin or descent, especially one living in the United States.

   a growing population of Latinos in the Midwest.

Latino British  

/ læˈtiːnəʊ /

noun

1. an inhabitant of the US who is of Latin American origin

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Other Word Forms

• Latina noun

Etymology

Origin of Latino

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50; from Spanish (United States), perhaps by ellipsis from Spanish latinoamericano “Latin American,” equivalent to latino “Latin” (referring to the places or people with Latinate or Romance language in common) + americano “American”

Example Sentences

Do you feel like your Latino side inspires your music at all or your approach to your career?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

My Latino side does influence and impact me, the music I listen to and the music I make.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

The issue is especially pressing in Los Angeles, where an estimated 30-40% of residents are affected by fatty liver disease, with even higher rates in Latino communities.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

The school system is about 90% Latino and 78% of students are part of low-income households.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

I was intrigued by a Latino officer I’d seen in the lineup room.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover