half-breed

noun

ˈhaf-ˌbrēd How to pronounce half-breed (audio)
ˈhäf-
plural half-breeds
offensive
: the offspring of parents of different races (see race entry 1 sense 1a)
especially : the offspring of an American Indian and a white person
half-breed adjective offensive

Word History

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-breed was in 1732

Dictionary Entries Near half-breed

Cite this Entry

“Half-breed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-breed. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!