Amer·i·can
ə-ˈmer-ə-kən 
-ˈmər-
-ˈmər-
-ˈme-rə-
1
: an American Indian of North America or South America
2
: a native or inhabitant of North America or South America
3
: a native or inhabitant of the U.S. : a U.S. citizen
4
1
: of or relating to America
American people
2
: of or relating to the U.S. or its possessions or original territory
American soldiers
American embassies
American states
American culture
Examples of American in a Sentence
Noun
Americans in all 50 states.
The President's speech began with the words “My fellow Americans…”.
Recent Examples on the Web
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
The American Medical Association also emphasizes that combining vigorous physical activity (such as resistance training and aerobic exercise) with moderate activity throughout the week yields the greatest reduction in mortality risk.
—Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Nov. 2024
The Southern dessert Usher mentioned knowing how to whip up for his family — traditionally made using banana slices, pudding and vanilla wafers — has long made an appearance on American dinner tables.
—Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for American 
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.
Noun
The Texas American Federation of Teachers -- a union representing more than 60,000 school employees -- said the curriculum violates the separation of church and state and is not inclusive of all students.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
The American Medical Association also emphasizes that combining vigorous physical activity (such as resistance training and aerobic exercise) with moderate activity throughout the week yields the greatest reduction in mortality risk.
—Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The tariffs, if implemented, could dramatically raise prices for American consumers on everything from gas to automobiles to agricultural products.
—Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Nov. 2024
The Southern dessert Usher mentioned knowing how to whip up for his family — traditionally made using banana slices, pudding and vanilla wafers — has long made an appearance on American dinner tables.
—Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for American
Articles Related to American
Dictionary Entries Near American
Cite this Entry
“American.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
American
1 of 2 noun
Amer·i·can
ə-ˈmer-ə-kən
1
: a person born or living in North America or South America
especially
: a citizen of the U.S.
2
: the English language used in the U.S.
American
2 of 2 adjective1
: of or relating to North or South America or their residents
American coastline
2
: of or relating to the U.S. or its citizens
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share