Definition of American

Short definition: The word American describes someone or something related to the United States, including its people, language, culture, habits, or products, and it is widely used in daily talk as well as news, travel, and cultural discussions.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word American? The word American is commonly used to describe people, culture, language, and things connected to the United States. It can refer to nationality, identity, or characteristics associated with the country and its society. You will hear it in news, history, travel, politics, and everyday conversation. Because it can describe people, ideas, or styles, its meaning depends on context. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and practical.

American adj., n. /əˈmɛrɪkən/

Forms: American, Americans
Related: America n., United States n., US abbr.
Syllable: A-mer-i-can

  1. (Adjective) Relating to the United States of America its people culture or institutions.

    American describes anything connected to the United States, including its society values culture government language food or way of life, and is often used to identify origin or style.

    American culture has influenced music fashion and movies around the world over many decades.
    She enjoys American food such as burgers and barbecue but prefers local dishes most of the time.
    The course focuses on American history and how the country developed over time.

    Synonyms: US related, from the United States, United States based, American style, American made, US cultural, US national, stateside, American originated, US focused, US centered, American linked
    Antonyms: foreign, non American, international, overseas, non US, external, outside the US, global, unrelated, foreign based, international origin, non domestic

  2. (Noun) A person who is a citizen or native of the United States.

    An American is someone who is from the United States either by birth or citizenship and is often identified with the country’s language culture and national identity.

    As an American he grew up celebrating national holidays like Independence Day.
    Many Americans trace their family roots back to different parts of the world.
    She met several Americans while traveling abroad and enjoyed exchanging cultural stories.

    Synonyms: US citizen, United States resident, American national, US native, stateside citizen, American person, US individual, national of the US, US born person, American resident, US inhabitant, American identity
    Antonyms: foreigner, non citizen, immigrant visitor, international traveler, non American person, overseas resident, foreign national, outsider, visitor, alien, non US citizen, foreign individual

  3. (Adjective) Characteristic of attitudes habits or styles commonly associated with the United States.

    In a broader sense, American can describe typical behaviors ideas or styles often linked with the United States such as individualism openness innovation or casual social interaction.

    His direct communication style felt very American to people from more formal cultures.
    The startup culture reflects a very American attitude toward risk and innovation.
    Wearing casual clothes to work is often seen as an American approach to office life.

    Synonyms: US style, stateside attitude, American minded, US influenced, culturally American, US oriented, American way, US lifestyle based, American approach, American character, American habit, American mindset
    Antonyms: traditional, formal, conservative, non US style, foreign custom, non American approach, reserved, old fashioned, rigid, culturally distant, non stateside, international norm

An Explanation of the Word "American" in an Image

Landscape illustration of American people smiling together outdoors, wearing casual rural clothing with the U.S. flag visible, representing American identity and patriotism.
A warm landscape illustration of American people standing together in a rural setting, wearing casual country-style clothing and holding the U.S. flag, symbolizing national identity, unity, and everyday American culture.

Conversation Using the Word American

The following conversation takes place between two students discussing language and cultural differences. It shows how the word American is used naturally in everyday conversation.

The exchange reflects casual talk about accents, media, and personal experiences.

Lucas: Your pronunciation sounds very American.

Sophie: Thanks, I’ve been watching a lot of American shows.

Lucas: Do you prefer American English or British English?

Sophie: I’m more used to American English because of movies and music.

Lucas: Have you ever visited the U.S.?

Sophie: Not yet, but I’d love to experience American culture in person.

Lucas: That would be exciting.

Sophie: Definitely, the American experience seems really interesting.

Phrases Containing the Word American

The phrases below show how the word American is commonly used to describe people, culture, language, lifestyle, and ideas connected to the United States.

American culture

The customs and traditions.

American culture is often described as diverse, dynamic, and influenced by many backgrounds.

American accent

A style of pronunciation.

He learned English by listening to podcasts with an American accent.

American English

A variety of English.

American English uses words and spelling that sometimes differ from British English.

American history

The past of the nation.

American history includes stories of independence, growth, and social change.

American food

Popular dishes.

American food ranges from burgers to regional specialties.

American lifestyle

Way of living.

The American lifestyle is often associated with convenience and mobility.

American music

Musical styles.

American music has influenced genres around the world.

American movie

Film from the U.S.

They watched an American movie to practice listening skills.

American values

Shared beliefs.

Freedom and opportunity are often mentioned as American values.

American society

Social structure.

American society reflects a mix of cultures and viewpoints.

American brand

A U.S.-based company.

The American brand is known worldwide for its innovation.

American education

School system.

American education emphasizes participation and discussion.

American citizen

A person from the U.S.

She became an American citizen after many years of living there.

American tradition

Customary practice.

Thanksgiving is a well-known American tradition.

American media

News and entertainment.

American media reaches audiences across the globe.

American influence

Global impact.

American influence can be seen in fashion and technology.

American city

An urban area.

Each American city has its own character and rhythm.

American identity

Sense of belonging.

American identity is shaped by history and diversity.

American lifestyle choice

Living preference.

Some people admire the American lifestyle choice for its flexibility.

American experience

Life in the U.S.

Studying abroad gave him a true American experience.

Words Rhyme with American

african
anglican
mexican
republican
pelican
vatican
barbican
jerry-can
ptarmigan
cardigan
hooligan
mulligan
finnegan
shenanigan
begin again
mannequin
panican
hurrican
corsican
dominican
jamaican
costa rican
puerto rican
south african
north american
latin american
central american
native american
afro-american
pan-american
POS: Noun, Adjective  Category: Countries, People