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
Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2024
In 2007, the American Dental Association awarded their Seal of Acceptance to Wrigley's Orbit,8 Trident9, and quip10 chewing gums for helping to prevent cavities.
—Tammy Davenport, Verywell Health, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for American 
Noun
According to the American Museum of Natural History, the best thoroughfares to enjoy Manhattanhenge include 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street.
—Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2024
In 2007, the American Dental Association awarded their Seal of Acceptance to Wrigley's Orbit,8 Trident9, and quip10 chewing gums for helping to prevent cavities.
—Tammy Davenport, Verywell Health, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for American
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'American.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“American.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American. Accessed 31 May. 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
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