mixed-race

American  

[mikst-reys] / ˈmɪkstˈreɪs /

adjective

Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive.

1. denoting or relating to a person whose parents belong to different racial or ethnic groups.

   mixed-race Brazilians.

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mixed-race British  

adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of people of different ethnic origins

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Sensitive Note

Despite the stigma sometimes associated with a mixed-race heritage and the fact that some mixed-race people identify with just one ethnic group, the term itself is usually considered acceptable.

Usage

The term mixed-race may well cause offence. The people so labelled might object to being thought of as a mixture, and identify with one ethnic group. Possible alternatives when referring specifically to ethic origins are of mixed ethnicity and of mixed ethnic origin

Etymology

Origin of mixed-race

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Americans learned that his melting-pot family history included French, Italian, Spanish and mixed-race Louisiana Creole roots.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

At the time it was billed as a public relations masterstroke for the monarchy, which was now modernizing by welcoming a mixed-race American celebrity into its ranks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

My husband is a mixed-race man and he's had some difficult experiences.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

She is a beautiful, mixed-race, interfaith young woman.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2025

The sight of a young mixed-race or black woman by herself on the streets of Philadelphia in 1796 was not unusual.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis