the American dream
noun phrase
variants
or the American Dream
: a happy way of living that is thought of by many Americans as something that can be achieved by anyone in the U.S. especially by working hard and becoming successful
With good jobs, a nice house, two children, and plenty of money, they believed they were living the American dream.
Examples of the American dream in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Blending fictional stories with real historical figures and events, the show captures the promise and pain of the American dream, exploring themes of race, class and identity that continue to resonate decades later.
—
Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
There’s always been the American dream.
—Idaho Statesman, 13 Oct. 2025
Now, at the America Business Forum, the mayor is hailing the power of the American dream and how residents can build a better future in Miami and beyond.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2025
Though the ensemble is vast, perhaps more than any other character, Uranowitz’s Tateh, a Jewish immigrant newly arrived in New York, represents an idyllic version of the American dream.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the American dream
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.
Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
There’s always been the American dream.
—Idaho Statesman, 13 Oct. 2025
Now, at the America Business Forum, the mayor is hailing the power of the American dream and how residents can build a better future in Miami and beyond.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2025
Though the ensemble is vast, perhaps more than any other character, Uranowitz’s Tateh, a Jewish immigrant newly arrived in New York, represents an idyllic version of the American dream.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the American dream
Cite this Entry
“The American dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20American%20dream. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share