oriental
Describing something that comes from East or Southeast Asia, for example food, art, or rugs; many people now think this word sounds old or rude, especially if you use it for people.
Relating to or coming from East or Southeast Asia, especially describing objects, styles, or cultural traditions; now often considered old-fashioned and sometimes offensive, particularly if applied to people.
A rude and old word for a person from East or Southeast Asia. You should not use this word for people.
An outdated and now widely offensive term for a person from East or Southeast Asia.
Used in science, especially biology, to say that a plant, animal, or region is from the eastern part of the world or of a large area.
In scientific naming, especially in biology and biogeography, describing species, regions, or taxa that are native to or characteristic of the eastern part of the Old World or the eastern part of a given area.
Describing things connected to the old European idea of the ‘Orient’ (the East, including Asia and the Middle East), usually in formal or academic writing.
Relating to the historical European concept of the ‘Orient’—a broad, often vague idea of the East that typically included parts of Asia and the Middle East—especially in academic, political, or historical discussion.
- Base: oriental
- Base: oriental
- Plural: orientals
Oriental art
1art from East/Southeast Asia
Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and other art objects made in East or Southeast Asia.
- The museum has a large collection of Oriental art.
- He specializes in Oriental art from the Qing dynasty.
Oriental carpet
1large carpet in Asian style
A large carpet with traditional patterns from parts of Asia, similar to an Oriental rug, often covering most of a floor.
- An Oriental carpet covered almost the entire dining room floor.
- The gallery is famous for its collection of rare Oriental carpets.
Oriental cuisine
1food from East/Southeast Asia
Food and cooking styles from East and Southeast Asia, such as Chinese, Japanese, Thai, or Vietnamese dishes.
- The restaurant offers a wide variety of Oriental cuisine.
- He enjoys learning how to cook Oriental cuisine at home.
Oriental medicine
1traditional East Asian medical system
Traditional medical systems from East Asia, such as Chinese, Korean, or Japanese medicine, which often use herbs, acupuncture, and special exercises.
- The clinic offers both Western and Oriental medicine.
- She is studying Oriental medicine with a focus on herbal treatments.
- Some patients turn to Oriental medicine when conventional treatments do not help.
Oriental plane
1a specific Oriental plane tree
A large tree with broad leaves, found mainly in southeastern Europe and western Asia, often planted in parks and streets.
- Several old Oriental planes line the riverbank.
- The botanist identified the specimen as an Oriental plane.
Oriental rug
1traditional Asian-style carpet
A large, usually hand-made rug with colorful patterns, made in a traditional style from parts of Asia such as Iran, Turkey, or Central and East Asia.
- They placed an Oriental rug in the center of the living room.
- She inherited a beautiful Oriental rug from her grandmother.
- The shop specializes in antique Oriental rugs and textiles.
Oriental studies
1academic study of Asia and the Middle East
A university subject that studies the languages, cultures, religions, and histories of Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
- She is doing a degree in Oriental studies at Oxford.
- The department of Oriental studies will host a conference on Persian literature.
- Many Oriental studies programs are changing their names to ‘Asian and Middle Eastern studies’.