all-American

adjective all-Amer·i·can \ ˌȯl-ə-ˈmer-ə-kən , -ˈme-rə- \

Definition of all-American

1 a or less commonly all-America play \-ə-kə\ : selected (as by a poll of journalists) as one of the best in the U.S. in a particular category at a particular time

an all-American quarterback

b : having only all-American participants

an all-American basketball team

2 : composed wholly of American elements

3 : representative or typical of the U.S. or its ideals

an all-American boy

her all-American optimism

4 : of or relating to the American nations as a group

See all-American defined for English-language learners

See all-American defined for kids

First Known Use of all-american

1887

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

all-American

noun

Definition of all-American

1 or less commonly all-America : one (such as an athlete) that is voted all-American

2 : one that has all-American qualities or characteristics

a clean-cut all-American

First Known Use of all-american

1888

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

ALL-AMERICAN Defined for English Language Learners

all-American

adjective

Definition of all-American for English Language Learners

: having qualities that are thought to be typical of people in the U.S. or that are widely admired in the U.S.
sports : selected as one of the best in the U.S. in a particular sport
: having only all-American players