: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language
Englishness
noun
1
a
: the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control
b
: a particular variety of English distinguished by peculiarities (as of pronunciation)
c
: English language, literature, or composition when a subject of study
2
plural in construction
: the people of England
3
a
: an English translation
b
: idiomatic or intelligible English
4
: spin around the vertical axis deliberately imparted to a ball that is driven or rolled compare draw, follow, body english
Englished; Englishing; Englishes
Examples of English in a Sentence
Noun
The English traditionally have afternoon tea.
I asked the doctor to give me my diagnosis in English, not medical jargon.
Recent Examples on the Web
Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Poems written in Spanish are presented with an English translation.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
He was born in Florence in 1856, grew up all over the continent, spoke English, French, Italian, and German, and seemed to be at ease anywhere, as long as there was a butler.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
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Adjective
According to Woodward, the Greener Game is a response to English community soccer clubs’ major pain points, which include access to fields, proper facilities, and increasing energy costs.
—Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Poems written in Spanish are presented with an English translation.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
Make Business Adjustments To Provide Communication Clarity Cultural nuances in communication, particularly in understanding English, can create challenges in diverse teams.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
He was born in Florence in 1856, grew up all over the continent, spoke English, French, Italian, and German, and seemed to be at ease anywhere, as long as there was a butler.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for English
Articles Related to English
Dictionary Entries Near English
Cite this Entry
“English.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/English. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
English
1 of 2 adjective
En·glish
ˈiŋ-glish 
: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language
English
2 of 2 noun1
a
: the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control
b
: English language, literature, or writing technique that is a subject of study
2
English plural
: the people of England
3
: a sideways spin given to a ball when it is struck or bowled
Etymology
Adjective
Old English englisc "English," from Engle "the Angles (Germanic people who invaded England in the 5th century along with the Saxons and with them formed the Anglo-Saxon peoples)"
Biographical Definition
English
biographical name
En·glish
ˈiŋ-glish
ˈiŋ-lish
Bill 1961– Simon William English prime minister of New Zealand (2016–2017)
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