Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Pertaining to or characteristic of Americans of African ancestry: Describes the cultural, social, or historical attributes of people in the United States whose ancestors came from Africa.
2. Noun:
   • An American whose ancestors were born in Africa: A person of African descent who is a citizen or resident of the United States.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The museum has an excellent collection of Afro-American art.
  • She studies Afro-American history and literature.
• Noun:
  • Many Afro-Americans contributed to the development of jazz music.
  • He is a prominent Afro-American in the field of science.

Advanced Usage

• The term Afro-American was widely used in the mid-to-late 20th century. While still accurate and used in historical and academic contexts, African American is generally the more common and preferred contemporary term for the same group.
• It can be used attributively (before a noun) to describe related concepts, e.g., Afro-American studies, Afro-American community.

Variants and Related Words

• African American (adj. & n.): The more prevalent modern synonym for Afro-American.
• Black American (adj. & n.): A broader term that may include people of African descent in the Americas outside the U.S., but is also commonly used within the U.S.

Synonyms

• Adjective: African American, Black (in the U.S. context).
• Noun: African American, Black American.

Notes on Usage

• The term is often hyphenated (Afro-American), though the unhyphenated form (Afro American) is also seen.
• It is important to be aware of personal and community preferences regarding nomenclature, as these can evolve over time. When in doubt, following the usage of the individuals or groups being described is recommended.

Adjective

1. pertaining to or characteristic of Americans of African ancestry
   • Afro-American culture
   • many black people preferred to be called African-American or Afro-American

Noun

1. an American whose ancestors were born in Africa