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

Meanwhile, poor Uncle Sam is slowly dying under the debt’s burden. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026

That was followed up three months later with an Uncle Sam-style recruitment poster, featuring a skeleton pointing to the viewer. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026

Previously, parents could borrow directly from Uncle Sam up to the full cost of their children’s undergraduate program not covered by other grants or loans. — Asia Alexander, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

However, the tax strategy still has value for individuals and families who want to preserve their land and pay less to Uncle Sam, lawyers who specialize in conservation easements told CNBC. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 23 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