1. people of Spanish descent born in Spanish America during the colonial period
Usage: historical; plural form

Examples

• The criollos formed an important social class in colonial Latin America.
• Many criollos became leaders in the independence movements of the early 1800s.
• Unlike peninsulares, criollos were born in the Americas rather than Spain.
• The criollos often felt excluded from high government positions.
• Simón Bolívar was among the most famous criollos who fought for independence.
• Social tensions existed between criollos and other colonial groups.