Adjective

Hispanic (comparative more Hispanic, superlative most Hispanic)

1. Of or related to Spain
2. Pertaining to a Spanish-speaking people or culture, as in Latin America.

   Houses in New Mexico, California and Florida exhibit a strong Hispanic architectural influence.

3. (historical) Of or pertaining to the Iberian peninsula, its people, its culture or its languages.

Noun

Hispanic (plural Hispanics)

1. A Spanish-speaking person.
2. A person residing in the United States, Latin America or worldwide of Spanish ancestry

Related terms

• Hispano
• Spanish

Hispanic (Spanish: hispano, hispánico) is a term that originally denoted a relationship to the ancient Hispania (geographically coinciding with the Iberian Peninsula). During the modern era, it sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, relating to the contemporary nation of Spain.

Still more recently, primarily in the United States, the term has also (or alternatively) been used to denote the culture and people of countries formerly ruled by the Spanish Empire, usually with a majority of the population speaking the Spanish language. Collectively known as Hispanic America, this definition includes Mexico, the majority of the Central and South American countries, and most of the Greater Antilles. The nations formerly pertaining to the Spanish East Indies are sometimes loosely included in this definition, as their cultures have some Spanish or Latin American elements.