American Dictionary

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Definition black in American English

black adjective

adjective
/blæk/

Words that avoid giving offense: black

Use the adjective black (sometimes spelled Black) to refer to people with dark skin whose families originally came from Africa. Avoid using black as a noun because this is sometimes considered offensive. Black Americans usually prefer to be called African-American. Black people in the U.K. whose families originally came from the Caribbean often prefer to be called African Caribbean. In Australian English, use black to refer to the people whose families were living in Australia before Europeans arrived and settled.

1

having the darkest color, like the sky at night when there is no light

Example

He was wearing black shorts.

Example

Black cats are sometimes thought to be unlucky.

Example

clouds of thick black smoke

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Example

She was the first black woman to become a judge.

Example

Dr. King was a leader in the Black community.

Example

a famous black actor

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3

coffee or tea that is black has no milk in it

Example

Do you take your coffee black or white?

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Example

one of the blackest moments in British history

Example

It's a black day for the automobile industry.

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Example

a black look

Example

a black mood

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6

relating to sad or unpleasant things such as death or illness

Example

black humor

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7

evil or cruel

Example

a black deed

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Definition black in American English