Definition of American
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 english
From the M-W Editors
Examples of american in a Sentence
Americans in all 50 states.
The President's speech began with the words “My fellow Americans…”.
First Known Use of american
1568
American
Definition of American
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
First Known Use of american
1580
AMERICAN Defined for English Language Learners
American
playDefinition of American for English Language Learners
-
: a person born, raised, or living in the U.S.
-
: a person born, raised, or living in North America or South America
American
Definition of American for English Language Learners
-
: of or relating to the U.S. or its citizens
-
: of or relating to North America, South America, or the people who live there
Learn More about american
-
Spanish Central: Translation of American Nglish: Translation of American for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of American for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up American? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!