Definition

Noun: A citizen or resident of the United States who is of Mexican origin or descent. This term specifically refers to an individual with Mexican heritage who lives in the United States.

Usage

The term "Mexican-American" is used as a compound noun to describe a person's ethnic and national identity. It is typically hyphenated when used as a single modifier before a noun.

Examples

• She is a proud Mexican-American who celebrates both cultures.
• The study focused on the voting patterns of Mexican-Americans in the southwestern states.
• He is a Mexican-American writer whose work explores themes of identity.

Advanced Usage

• The term can function as an adjective in hyphenated form (e.g., Mexican-American community, Mexican-American history).
• In some modern contexts, the hyphen may be omitted, especially when the term is used as a noun phrase rather than a compound adjective (e.g., "She is Mexican American"). Both forms are widely understood.

Variants and Related Words

• Chicano/Chicana: A term, often used with a sense of cultural and political pride, for a Mexican American. Its usage can be more specific and contextual than "Mexican-American."
• Latino/Latina: A broader term for a person of Latin American origin or descent living in the U.S., which includes but is not limited to Mexican-Americans.
• Hispanic: A term relating to Spain or to Spanish-speaking countries, especially those of Latin America. It is a broader ethnic category that includes Mexican-Americans.

Synonyms

• American of Mexican descent
• US citizen of Mexican origin

Notes on Meaning

The term specifically denotes a connection to both the United States (as a place of residence or citizenship) and Mexico (as a place of origin or ancestral heritage). It is an ethnic identifier, not a designation of nationality. A Mexican-American's nationality is American.

Noun

1. a Mexican (or person of Mexican descent) living in the United States