Usage of Oriental
The adjective oriental, which carries strong associations with colonialism and with language that others and exoticizes, is usually considered offensive when used by non-Asian people to describe people of various Asian identities. Its use to describe elements of Asian culture
sometimes has a dated feel, but is not usually regarded as offensive.
Usage of Oriental
The noun Oriental has a long history of association with colonialism and with language that others and exoticizes people of various Asian identities. While Oriental is not offensive in senses 2 and 3 above, the use of Oriental to refer to a person is usually considered offensive.
Examples of oriental in a Sentence
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oriental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oriental. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oriental
1 of 2 adjective
Oriental
2 of 2 noun
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