Hispanics
|His-pan-ics|
/hɪˈspænɪks/
(Hispanic)
related to Spain or Spanish-speaking people
Etymology
'Hispanic' originates from Medieval Latin 'Hispanicus', ultimately from Latin 'Hispania', the Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula (modern Spain and Portugal).
'Hispanicus' in Medieval Latin passed into English as 'Hispanic' (via scholarly and administrative usage), while related forms appeared in Spanish as 'hispánico' and in other Romance languages.
Initially, it meant 'of or relating to Hispania (Spain)'; over time, especially in English and U.S. usage, it broadened to mean 'relating to Spanish-speaking people, cultures, or countries', and often denotes an ethnic or demographic category.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural noun referring to people of Spanish-speaking origin or descent, especially used in the United States as an ethnic or cultural category.
Hispanics make up a significant portion of the city's population.
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Noun 2
plural noun used in demographic, political, and cultural contexts to denote people connected by heritage, language, or origin linked to Spanish-speaking countries.
Policies aimed at improving healthcare access for Hispanics have been proposed.
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Last updated: 2025/09/02 02:21