Arab American

American  

[ar-uhb-uh-mer-i-kuhn] / ˈær əb əˈmɛr ɪ kən /

noun

1. a citizen or resident of the U.S. of Arab birth or descent.

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adjective

1. of or relating to an Arab American.

2. Arab-American, occurring between the United States and Arabia or the Middle East.

   Diplomats predicted the deterioration of Arab-American relations with increased militarization of foreign policy.

Etymology

Origin of Arab American

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Egyptian American actor and comedian Ramy Youssef appeared on “Sesame Street” in mid-April to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Not once since our festival began in 2003 did any of the Arab American comedians fear that telling jokes about Bush — or any president — could come with a cost.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2025

The censure comes as the MWD investigates harassment allegations against Adel Hagekhalil, the water district’s first Arab American general manager.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

James Zogby, founder of the Arab American Institute and a longtime Democratic advocate, woke up the day after Trump’s win and it hit him anew.

From Slate • Nov. 12, 2024

For Zogby, who’s spent decades mobilizing Arab American voters, Trump’s success in places like Dearborn isn’t a surprising outcome.

From Slate • Nov. 12, 2024