nonwhite

American  

[non-wahyt, -hwahyt] / nɒnˈwaɪt, -ˈʰwaɪt /

adjective

1. of or relating to a person or people who are not members of the sociocultural classification marked by slight pigmentation of the skin and associated with European descent.

   Both immigration and births contributed to nonwhite population growth in the most recent census.

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noun

1. a person who is not a member of the sociocultural classification marked by slight pigmentation of the skin and associated with European descent; a person of color.

Sensitive Note

Use of the word nonwhite to describe a population group has sometimes been criticized for implying in its very structure that “white” is the norm and anything else is a deviation from that norm. A more affirmative descriptive term, like person(s) of color, is often appropriate, as are other specific ethnic, cultural, or national designations. However, nonwhite is still in common use, especially in contexts where the focus is on statistical analyses of populations of European ancestry as distinguished from other populations. It is generally more acceptable as an adjective (strategies to get nonwhite voters to the polls) than as a noun (a candidate favored by nonwhites; the candidate who is a nonwhite ).

Etymology

Origin of nonwhite

First recorded in 1920–25; non- + white

Example Sentences

Many people in the key groups with which he made crucial inroads in the last election – such as young men and nonwhite voters – have turned from him.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Study researchers also determined that shows on streaming services benefited from expanding horizons in their storytelling and including content centered around nonwhite cultures, as well as LGBTQ+, disabled groups and women.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

The rate for unmarried women is much lower, averaging less than 1 for white women and less than 1.5 for nonwhite women.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

The 14th and 15th Amendments were ratified to establish an enduring multiracial democracy, explicitly empowering Congress to end the subjugation of nonwhite Americans.

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2025

Academics might have agreed to commit themselves to the goal of helping more nonwhite students enter college.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez