Americanism

noun

Amer·​i·​can·​ism ə-ˈmer-ə-kə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Americanism (audio)
-ˈmər-,
-ˈme-rə-
1
: a characteristic feature of American English especially as contrasted with British English
2
: attachment or allegiance to the traditions, interests, or ideals of the U.S.
3
a
: a custom or trait peculiar to America
b
: the political principles and practices essential to American culture

Examples of Americanism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Today, Americanisms are easy for modern lexicographers to find because of the internet and access to large data sets. Sarah Ogilvie, WSJ, 11 Nov. 2023 The great irony of this exercise in Americanism isn’t that Clark uses the exact same taunt during games. Joseph Goodman | Jgoodman@al.com, al, 6 Apr. 2023 All Berea School District students in grades 5-8 are invited to submit entries to the Berea Elks annual Americanism Essay Contest. Rich Heileman, cleveland, 11 Nov. 2022 The American Legion’s mission is based on four pillars – Care and Rehabilitation of Veterans; Defense of our Country; Americanism; and Service to Youth. courant.com, 9 July 2021 Students in the Slidell, Lacombe and Pearl River area must submit essays on or before Dec. 1 in order to participate in the 2020 Americanism Essay Contest. NOLA.com, 23 Nov. 2020 Guam swims in a murky pool of Americanism. Damien Cave, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2023 In America, said Matt, there is a certain anti-Americanism at either end of the horseshoe. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 20 Mar. 2023 The offensive word in question was once an Americanism used to describe having been cheated, swindled or deceived. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Americanism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of Americanism was in 1779

Dictionary Entries Near Americanism

Cite this Entry

“Americanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Americanism. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Americanism

noun
Amer·​i·​can·​ism ə-ˈmer-ə-kə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce Americanism (audio)
1
: a word or meaning of a word that is common only in American English
2
: loyalty to the traditions, interests, or standards of the U.S.
3
: a custom or attitude common only to Americans

More from Merriam-Webster on Americanism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!