ethnicity

[eth-nis-i-tee] /ɛθˈnɪs ɪ ti/
noun, plural ethnicities.
1.
ethnic traits, background, allegiance, or association.
2.
an ethnic group:
Representatives of several ethnicities were present.
Origin
1765-75, for earlier sense; ethnic + -ity
Examples from the web for ethnicity
  • The targeting of an individual because of their race or ethnicity.
  • It is important to note, however, that language and ethnicity are not the same.
  • The chadian government has avoided official recognition of ethnicity.
  • Nationalist politics and everyday ethnicity in a transylvanian town.
Word Origin and History for ethnicity
n.

"ethnic character," 1953, from ethnic + -ity. Earlier it meant "paganism" (1772).

ethnicity in Culture
ethnicity [(eth-nis-uh-tee)]

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

Note: 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.)