Hispanic

 
Pronunciation: /hɪˈspanɪk/

adjective

  • relating to Spain or to Spanish-speaking countries, especially those of Central and South America.
  • relating to Spanish-speaking people or their culture, especially in the US: the New York Hispanic community

noun

  • a Spanish-speaking person, especially one of Latin American descent, living in the US.

Derivatives

Hispanicize

(also Hispanicise) verb

Origin:

from Latin Hispanicus, from Hispania 'Spain'

In the US Hispanic is the standard accepted term when referring to Spanish-speaking people living in the US. Other, more specific terms such as Latino and Chicano are also used where occasion demands.