To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of American Revolution
the American Revolution
: the war of 1775–83 in which 13 British colonies in North America broke free from British rule and became the United States of America
It was an ironic opportunity for Adams, who had spent much of his retirement criticizing the historical significance of the Declaration as anything more than an ornamental epilogue to the real story of the American Revolution.— Joseph J. Ellis, American Heritage, May/June 1993
— called also (chiefly British) the American War of Independence
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on American Revolution
What made you want to look up American Revolution? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Homophone Quiz
- In order to judge how people felt, the senator's office hired a firm to take a
______.
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Share American Revolution
Time Traveler for American Revolution
The first known use of American Revolution was in 1778
See more words from the same year