American

1 of 2

noun

Amer·​i·​can ə-ˈmer-ə-kən How to pronounce American (audio) -ˈmər- How to pronounce American (audio)
-ˈme-rə-
1
: an American Indian of North America or South America
2
: a native or inhabitant of North America or South America
3
: a native or inhabitant of the U.S. : a U.S. citizen
4

American

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of or relating to America
American people
2
: of or relating to the U.S. or its possessions or original territory
American soldiers
American embassies
American states
American culture
Americanness
ə-ˈmer-ə-kə(n)-nəs How to pronounce American (audio)
-ˈmər-
-ˈme-rə-
noun

Examples of American in a Sentence

Noun Americans in all 50 states. The President's speech began with the words “My fellow Americans…”.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In July 2024, Jason opened up about the possibility of a fourth child with his wife while speaking to PEOPLE at the American Century Championship presented by American Century Investments in Lake Tahoe. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Attanasio said Monday before the Brewers opened the home portion of their 2025 schedule with an 11-1 loss to the Royals at American Family Field. Andrew Wagner, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Ideally, these branches serve as mutual checks on their respective exercises of power, which constitutes the most critical feature of American democracy. Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 But most models built elsewhere for the US market are not built in American factories. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for American

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of American was in 1568

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“American.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

American

1 of 2 noun
Amer·​i·​can ə-ˈmer-ə-kən How to pronounce American (audio)
1
: a person born or living in North America or South America
especially : a citizen of the U.S.
2
: the English language used in the U.S.

American

2 of 2 adjective
1
: of or relating to North or South America or their residents
American coastline
2
: of or relating to the U.S. or its citizens
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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