1. languages that develop from the mixing of a colonial language with local languages and become native languages of a community
Usage: linguistics
2. people of mixed European and African ancestry, especially in the Caribbean and southern United States
Usage: historical; cultural
3. people born in colonial territories of European parents
Usage: historical

Examples

• Many creoles developed during the colonial period when different language groups came into contact.
• Haitian Creole is one of the most widely spoken creoles in the world.
• The Louisiana creoles have a rich cultural heritage blending French, African, and Spanish influences.
• Some creoles in the Caribbean trace their ancestry back several generations.
• Linguists study how creoles evolve from simple pidgins into complex languages.
• The creoles of New Orleans developed their own distinct cuisine and music.
• Portuguese creoles can be found in former colonies across Africa and Asia.