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

The analysis found the party needed to do more to reach nonwhite and working-class voters, strengthen its messaging on key issues, bolster data and digital efforts, and recruit “more candidates who come from minority communities.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

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

The same can be claimed for the sudden, prizewinning visibility of nonwhite novelists and poets.

From The Wall Street Journal

At UCLA, budget cuts have forced some campus tours to be reduced, and student retention programs targeting nonwhite students have cut staff and programming.

From Los Angeles Times