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

Pull into the small town of Luverne and the figure — a nearly 66-foot (20-meter) tall nutcracker, decked out like Uncle Sam — comes into full view. — ABC News, 21 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

The show featured formations including George Washington, Uncle Sam, Artemis II, and a pyro drone bald eagle. — Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 6 July 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

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