Uncle Sam

noun

Un·​cle Sam ˌəŋ-kəl-ˈsam 

1

: the U.S. government

2

: the American nation or people

Examples of Uncle Sam in a Sentence

Uncle Sam wants you to join the Army!

Recent Examples on the Web

After entering the ring, Apollo switches into an Uncle Sam costume. — ABC News, 13 June 2026

In O'Hare Terminal 1, travelers will hear live folk music and might catch a glimpse of Uncle Sam walking around. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 1 July 2026

John Saint Paul of Kansas City was dressed up as Uncle Sam, walking around with his head high and his patriotism on full throttle after the loss. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

And that isn’t our personifications of Uncle Sam or Lady Liberty. — Greg Jackson, Time, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

expansion of U.S., abbreviation of United States

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Uncle Sam

• abraham
• anagram
• cablegram
• cofferdam
• dendrogram
• diagram
• diaphragm
• epigram
• hexagram
• histogram
• hologram
• instagram

Kids Definition

Uncle Sam

noun

Un·​cle Sam ˌəŋ-kəl-ˈsam 

1

: the U.S. government thought of or represented as a person

2

: the American nation or people