Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to Spanish-speaking people or their cultures: Used to describe people, communities, or cultural elements connected to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in the Americas.

2. Noun:

   • An American of Spanish-speaking descent: A person living in the United States whose ancestry or cultural background is from a Spanish-speaking country or region.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • The museum has a large collection of Hispanic art.
  • Hispanic culture is very diverse, encompassing many different traditions.

• Noun:

  • She is a Hispanic who moved to New York from Puerto Rico.
  • The survey asked if participants identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Advanced Usage

• "Hispanic-serving": A term used for institutions, like colleges, that have a significant enrollment of Hispanic students.

  • The university is designated as a Hispanic-serving institution.

• "Non-Hispanic": Used to specify someone who is not of Hispanic origin, often in demographic contexts.

  • The study compared health outcomes for Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations.

Variants and Related Words

• Hispanicize (verb, rare): To make something Hispanic in character or form.
• Hispanicity (noun): The quality or state of being Hispanic.

Synonyms

• Latino/Latina: Often used interchangeably, though "Latino" can specifically refer to people of Latin American origin, which may include non-Spanish speaking countries (e.g., Brazil).
• Spanish-speaking: More directly descriptive of language use rather than cultural or ethnic identity.

Related Phrases

• Hispanic Heritage Month: An annual celebration in the United States (September 15 to October 15) honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Adjective

1. related to a Spanish-speaking people or culture
   • the Hispanic population of California is growing rapidly

Noun

1. an American whose first language is Spanish