People of two or more racial backgrounds. In the 2010 U.S. census, approximately 9 million individuals, or 2.9 percent of the population, self-identified as multiracial. That number is expected to grow as more interracial couples have babies. Many terms exist for people of various multiracial backgrounds. Preferred terms include multiracial, biracial, multiethnic, polyethnic. Avoid half, mulatto. Use mixed and mixed-race with caution as some people find these terms offensive; however, others embrace them.
Updated February 2021
