British

noun

Brit·​ish ˈbri-tish 

1

a

: the Celtic language of the ancient Britons

b

: british english

2

plural in construction : the people of Great Britain or the Commonwealth of Nations

British adjective

Britishism

ˈbri-ti-ˌshi-zəm 

noun

Britishness noun

Examples of British in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The deal confirms the film’s BIFA-qualifying status and puts it in contention for the British Independent Film Awards. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

For the first time in the history of photo finishes a triple dead heat for first place is recorded, at Willow’s Park, Victoria, British Columbia. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

The Iowa native won 12 times on the PGA Tour, highlighted by major titles at the 2007 Masters and 2015 British Open. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Lady Branson died at 80 after being admitted to the hospital in November 2025 after a fall weeks earlier on Necker Island, a British Virgin Island owned by her billionaire husband. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Bruttische of Britain, from Old English Brettisc, from Brettas Britons, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh Brython Briton

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing British

• anti-British
• British Columbian
• British English
• British Racing Green
• British Summer Time
• British thermal unit
• the British

Rhymes for British

• skittish

Kids Definition

British

1 of 2 noun

Brit·​ish

ˈbrit-ish

1

plural British : the people of Great Britain or their descendants

2

: the English language as spoken in England

British

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of or relating to the original people of Britain

2

a

: of or relating to Great Britain or the British

b

: English entry 1