Uncle Sam

noun

Un·​cle Sam ˌəŋ-kəl-ˈsam How to pronounce Uncle Sam (audio)
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
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.
One 82-year-old protester, who identified himself only as Ed, was dressed as Uncle Sam. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 Uncle Sam’s spending binge will remain compounding until Republicans muster the stones to take entitlements off autopilot. Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025 Performers milled on the street with bobbing paper mache heads of Uncle Sam and other caricatures. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025 The image of Uncle Sam as a personification of our nation and government is widespread and instantly recognizable. Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Uncle Sam

Word History

Etymology

expansion of U.S., abbreviation of United States

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Uncle Sam was in 1810

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncle Sam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Uncle%20Sam. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

Uncle Sam

noun
Un·​cle Sam ˌəŋ-kəl-ˈsam How to pronounce Uncle Sam (audio)
1
: the U.S. government thought of or represented as a person
2
: the American nation or people

More from Merriam-Webster on Uncle Sam

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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