all-American

1 of 2

adjective

all-Amer·​i·​can ˌȯl-ə-ˈmer-ə-kən 

-ˈme-rə-

1

a

or less commonly all-America

ˌȯl-ə-ˈmer-ə-kə   

-ˈme-rə-

: 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

all-American

2 of 2

noun

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 wholesome all-American

Examples of all-American in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

She’ll next face Jessica Pegula, who won her own all-American match against Emma Navarro to make the semifinals at this tournament for the third year in a row. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Gauff, Zverev highlight evening program The evening action in New York features 2023 champion Coco Gauff in an all-American ​clash against teenage sensation Iva Jovic, before French Open champion Alexander ​Zverev takes ⁠on Luciano Darderi. — Reuters, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026

Noun

The brand has also partnered with other all-American IPs including Coca-Cola and Disney, developing new products made with recycled cotton while staying true to its circular mission. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 25 June 2026

And on Saturday, July 4th, raise a glass and enjoy an evening filled with ice-cold brews, delicious bites and a soundtrack of classic rock, country and all-American anthems. — David Weiss, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for all-American

• american

Kids Definition

all-American

adjective

all-Amer·​i·​can

ˌȯ-lə-ˈmer-ə-kən

1

: representing or typical of the U.S. or its ideals

an all-American boy

2

: selected as the best in the U.S.

the all-American football team

all-American noun