Southeast Asian

1 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Southeast Asia (a region of indefinite boundaries usually thought of as including Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam and sometimes Singapore, Indonesia, and/or the Philippines) or its people

Southeast Asian

2 of 2

noun

plural Southeast Asians
1
: a native or inhabitant of Southeast Asia
2
: a person of Southeast Asian descent

Examples of Southeast Asian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
But many of the finest pieces on display here in the Southeast Asian art wing… are stolen. — Anderson Cooper, CBS News, 28 June 2026 Pandan waffles, matcha flan and durian smoothies, among other Southeast Asian treats, round out the menu. — Christopher Hassiotis, AJC.com, 18 June 2026 Among Southeast Asian nations, the bank expects Singapore and the Philippines to be directly exposed to shocks in global food prices, due to their position as net food importers. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 22 June 2026 Additionally, du Brul shares that collectors also look out for African and Southeast Asian barkcloth, which is different from midcentury barkcloth. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for Southeast Asian

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1898, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Southeast Asian was in 1898

Rhymes for Southeast Asian

See All Rhymes for Southeast Asian

Browse Nearby Words

Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian
southeast by east
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Southeast Asian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Southeast%20Asian. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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