Latino
|la-ti-no|
🇺🇸
/ləˈtiːnoʊ/
🇬🇧
/ləˈtiːnəʊ/
people from Latin America
Etymology
'Latino' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'latino', where 'Latinus' meant 'of Latium' (the region of ancient Rome).
'Latino' changed from the Italian and Spanish word 'latino' (derived from Latin 'Latinus', from 'Latium') and was adopted into English with the modern spelling and use referring to people and culture associated with Latin America.
Initially, it meant 'of Latium' or 'Latin' in relation to ancient Rome; over time the term shifted in modern languages to refer to people or cultural aspects associated with Latin America.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person of Latin American origin or descent, especially used in the United States to describe people from or with heritage in Latin America.
He is a Latino who moved to the U.S. from Colombia.
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Noun 2
the masculine (or generic) Spanish form used to refer to people from Latin America; alternative forms include 'Latina' (feminine) and gender‑neutral forms such as 'Latinx' or 'Latine'.
In some contexts, people use 'Latino' as a general term, while others prefer 'Latina' or 'Latinx'.
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Adjective 1
relating to Latin American people, culture, or countries.
Latino music has had a big influence on global pop.
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Last updated: 2025/10/31 08:12