ethnicity

[eth-nis-i-tee]

noun

plural

ethnicities 

1. an ethnic group; a social group that shares a common and distinctive culture, religion, language, or the like.

   Representatives of several ethnicities were present.

2. ethnic traits, background, allegiance, or association.

   The graph shows class enrollment by gender and ethnicity.

ethnicity

1. Identity with or membership in a particular racial, national, or cultural group and observance of that group's customs, beliefs, and language.

Usage

race ²

Many minority groups in the United States maintain strong ethnic identity; especially in cities, immigrants are often attracted to ethnic communities established by people from their own country, communities in which many traditional cultural features are maintained. (See melting pot.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of ethnicity¹

First recorded in 1765–75, for earlier sense; ethnic + -ity

Example Sentences

The union says its employer's removal of six days' annual leave from members' contracts, pay stagnation and a widening ethnicity pay gap has made them "particularly angry".

From BBC

Two days after the operation, a federal judge would order immigration authorities to stop detaining people based on their ethnicity or occupation.

From Los Angeles Times

Footage has been circulating on social media, accompanied by speculation over the ethnicity and actions of the people allegedly confronted by the girl.

From BBC

“What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is if they are illegally in the U.S. — NOT their skin color, race, or ethnicity,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times

Previously, the Met has argued LFR is accurate and balanced across ethnicity and gender.

From BBC