Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
negro
noun
/ˈniːɡroʊ/
Definition
The term ‘negro’ historically referred to individuals of African descent. It was commonly used in the past to describe people of black skin, particularly during the periods of slavery and segregation in the United States.
Examples
- The term ‘negro’ was often used in academic and governmental documents up until the 1970s.
- Many people feel that the word carries historical baggage and should not be used today.
Meaning
In modern usage, the term is considered outdated and potentially offensive. It is now more appropriate to use ‘Black’ or ‘African American’ to describe individuals of African ancestry, particularly in the context of the United States.
Synonyms
- Black
- African American
- Person of African descent