ENGLISH
REFERENCE

blacks

n. · v.
US //ˈbɫæks// UK //blˈæks// blacks
  1. 1 racial identity (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    people who belong to a group with dark skin, especially those of African descent.

    people belonging to a racial group characterized by dark skin, particularly of African or Caribbean origin. Often capitalized in modern usage to denote a shared cultural identity.

    Example

    The census collected data on how many Blacks lived in the region.

    Example

    Sociologists studied the economic disparities faced by Blacks in urban centers during the mid-twentieth century.
    • black people
    Pitfall
    The blacks in the city...
    Black people in the city...

    Using 'blacks' as a plural noun for people can sound impersonal or offensive to some; using 'Black people' is generally more respectful.

  2. 2 dark clothing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    black clothes, often worn for a funeral or a formal event.

    black garments worn as a sign of mourning or for specific formal requirements.

    Example

    The family arrived at the funeral dressed in their blacks.

    Example

    The widow was draped in heavy blacks, her veil obscuring her face from the gathered mourners.
    • mourning clothes
    • dark wear
  3. 3 to make dark (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make something black, like when you polish shoes.

    the third-person singular present indicative of 'black', meaning to make something black or to apply blacking to a surface.

    Example

    He always blacks his boots before he goes on parade.

    Example

    The apprentice carefully blacks the iron stove every morning to prevent rust from forming on the surface.
    • darkens
    • blackens

Last updated June 19, 2026