: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language
Englishness
noun
1
a
: the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control
b
: a particular variety of English distinguished by peculiarities (as of pronunciation)
c
: English language, literature, or composition when a subject of study
2
plural in construction
: the people of England
3
a
: an English translation
b
: idiomatic or intelligible English
4
: spin around the vertical axis deliberately imparted to a ball that is driven or rolled compare draw, follow, body english
Englished; Englishing; Englishes
Examples of English in a Sentence
Noun
The English traditionally have afternoon tea.
I asked the doctor to give me my diagnosis in English, not medical jargon.
Recent Examples on the Web
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
This resource, available in French and English, allows users to explore past restitution efforts and their outcomes, helping individuals and communities develop their own restitution strategies.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
So what, exactly, are English Rose kitchens?
—Lacey Ramburger, The Spruce, 11 May 2026
Burberry is a professor of English and an expert in geomythology, a field which involves searching old folk tales, myths and stories for evidence of real geological events.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for English
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The service Most, but not all, staff here speak English, but no one is more than a few seconds away from someone who can help you.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
This resource, available in French and English, allows users to explore past restitution efforts and their outcomes, helping individuals and communities develop their own restitution strategies.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
So what, exactly, are English Rose kitchens?
—Lacey Ramburger, The Spruce, 11 May 2026
Burberry is a professor of English and an expert in geomythology, a field which involves searching old folk tales, myths and stories for evidence of real geological events.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for English
Cite this Entry
“English.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/English. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
English
1 of 2 adjective
En·glish
ˈiŋ-glish 
: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language
English
2 of 2 noun1
a
: the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control
b
: English language, literature, or writing technique that is a subject of study
2
English plural
: the people of England
3
: a sideways spin given to a ball when it is struck or bowled
Etymology
Adjective
Old English englisc "English," from Engle "the Angles (Germanic people who invaded England in the 5th century along with the Saxons and with them formed the Anglo-Saxon peoples)"
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
