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

After all, interest rates were historically low, and markets were buying all the debt that Uncle Sam was putting out there. — Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026

If Uncle Sam does not change course, America’s unsustainable fiscal mess will result in adverse economic, national security, foreign relations, and domestic tranquility consequences. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026

That could lead to filing errors and fairness problems, since some taxpayers could pay more to Uncle Sam than others. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Orland Park’s Terry Lynch, portraying Ben Franklin, and Tinley Park’s Dave Fleming, as Uncle Sam on stilts, join the festivities Tuesday in Frankfort for the Discover Trail Relay 250. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 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