racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl 

1

: of, relating to, or based on a race (see race entry 1 sense 1a)

a racial minority

2

: existing or occurring between races (see race entry 1 sense 1a)

racial equality

racially

ˈrā-shə-lē 

adverb

see also:

racial group

Synonyms of racial

• ethnic
• ethnical

Examples of racial in a Sentence

What is your racial identity?

There was racial tension on campus.

Recent Examples on the Web

The case has drawn widespread attention in Atlanta, where Turner's death became a flashpoint amid nationwide protests over police brutality and racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

The chief complaint about at-large voting, though, has historically centered on racial representation. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026

That law established the Seaboard Air Line Railroad as a racial boundary — literally the other side of the tracks — with white residents living to the north and Black residents to the south. — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

By racial demographics, the population is approximately 67% Hispanic, 14% white, 11% Black and 7% Asian. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

race entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing racial

• post-racial
• racial group

Rhymes for racial

• facial
• glacial
• spacial
• spatial
• bifacial
• biracial
• palatial
• postglacial
• preglacial
• subglacial
• craniofacial
• interfacial

Kids Definition

racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl 

: of, relating to, or based on race

racially

-shə-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl 

: of, relating to, or based on a race