adj

Oriental

aw-ree-EHN-tuhl

adj

Relating to East Asia or, historically, the broader region east of Europe.

"The museum has a large collection of oriental ceramics."

noun

A gem, especially a pearl, prized for its exceptional shine.

"The necklace was set with a fine oriental pearl."

How to Use Oriental

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA term for things from East Asia, though it has fallen out of favor as a term for people and is now considered outdated or offensive in that use.

When to use it

Using "oriental" to describe a person is now widely considered dated and offensive; "Asian" is the standard modern term. The word is still fine for objects, cuisine, and some historical/design contexts (e.g. "oriental rug").

Word Forms

more Oriental comparative, Orientals plural, most Oriental superlative

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The museum has a large collection of _____ ceramics.

Etymology

From Latin orientalis, "eastern," from oriens, "rising sun" — built on the same root as "orient."

Rhymes for Oriental

mental dental rental parental elemental accidental ornamental judgmental incidental monumental regimental fundamental

See all rhymes for Oriental →