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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web 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 There were other reasons for reticence, including residual anti-Americanism, a legacy of the failure of the then-neutral US to come to Finland’s aid during the Winter War. Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 16 Feb. 2023 Griner is at a penal colony not only known for its virulent anti-Americanism but also its hatred of the LGBTQ and Black communities. Mike Freeman, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2022 So, yes, this anti-Americanism and violence on the right--indeed, the mere existence of a monster like Trump--is deeply serious. John Brummett, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2022 In 1979, after the change of government and a rise in anti-Americanism, defense contractors pulled their workers from Iran. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 1 June 2022 In merging anti-Zionism with anti-Americanism, extremists repudiate these two idealistic democracies, both distinguished by national narratives of seeking redemption. Gil Troy, WSJ, 7 Oct. 2021 See More

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 9 Jun. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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