Americanism

noun

Amer·​i·​can·​ism ə-ˈmer-ə-kə-ˌni-zəm 

-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

Football has borrowed the Americanism of calling those who have knack for scoring these decisive goals ‘clutch’. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Western Europe, facing similarly bleak prospects, produced its own converts to Americanism. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026

No patriots so defaced America as those who, in the name of Americanism, launched a witch hunt that became a byword around the world. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

By twice keeping San Diego players off the field because of the color of their skin after refusing to allow a Massachusetts player to take the field for the same reason, Chaillaux — the Legion’s varlet of Americanism — struck out. — Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing Americanism

• Pan-Americanism

Rhymes for Americanism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism
• astigmatism

Kids Definition

Americanism

noun

Amer·​i·​can·​ism ə-ˈmer-ə-kə-ˌniz-əm 

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