Definition

1. Noun:

   • An American of African descent: A person who is a citizen or resident of the United States and whose ancestors originated from Africa, particularly those brought to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade.

2. Adjective:

   • Pertaining to Americans of African ancestry: Describing the culture, heritage, history, or experiences of people in the United States who trace their ancestry to Africa.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The museum's exhibit was curated by a prominent African-American.
  • Many African-Americans have contributed significantly to American arts and sciences.

• Adjective:

  • African-American literature is a rich and vital part of the American canon.
  • She studies African-American history at the university.

Advanced Usage

• As a demographic or cultural identifier: The term is often used in formal, academic, and social contexts to refer to the ethnic group and its collective experience.

  • The study focused on health disparities within the African-American community.

• Historical and social context: The term gained widespread preferred usage in the late 20th century, emphasizing cultural and historical ties to the African continent.

  • The movement advocated for the term "African-American" to highlight a cultural identity beyond skin color.

Variants and Related Words

• Afro-American (adj/n): A synonym with identical meaning, though "African-American" is more common in contemporary usage.

  • Afro-American studies is an important academic field.

• Black (adj/n): A broader term that can refer to people of African descent globally, not exclusively Americans. It is often used interchangeably with "African-American" in the U.S. context, though preferences can vary.

  • Black History Month celebrates the achievements of African-Americans.

Synonyms

• Black American: A synonym commonly used in the United States.
• Person of color: A broader term that includes African-Americans among other non-white groups.

Important Notes on Usage

• Capitalization: The term is typically hyphenated and capitalized ("African-American") when used as a compound adjective or noun.
• Preferred Terminology: While "African-American" and "Black" are both widely accepted, individual preferences may vary. It is often considered respectful to use the terminology an individual or group prefers.
  • The survey allowed participants to identify as Black, African-American, or of other heritage.

Noun

1. an American whose ancestors were born in Africa

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