1. dark makeup worn by a performer to caricature a Black person, especially in minstrel shows
Usage: offensive; historical

Examples

• The museum exhibit explained the harmful history of blackface in American entertainment.
• Many old films containing blackface performances are now viewed with historical context.
• The university banned blackface as part of its anti-discrimination policy.
• Historians study blackface minstrelsy to understand past racial stereotypes.
• The theater company apologized for the actor’s use of blackface in the production.
• Educational programs help students understand why blackface is considered offensive.