British English

noun

: the native language of most inhabitants of England
especially : English characteristic of England and clearly distinguishable from that used elsewhere (as in the U.S. or Australia)

Examples of British English in a Sentence

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.
More common in British English, the phrase is often used in writing to close friends, colleagues or longtime acquaintances. — Erin Hill, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025 Its dialects may differ as much as American and British English do. — Ross Perlin, The Dial, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of British English was in 1866

Browse Nearby Words

British Empire
British English
Britisher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“British English.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/British%20English. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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