United States of America

American  

[yoo-nahy-tid steyts uhv uh-mer-i-kuh] / yuˈnaɪ tɪd ˈsteɪts əv əˈmɛr ɪ kə /

noun

1. official name of the United States. U.S.A., USA

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United States of America British  

noun

1. Often shortened to: United States.   US.   USA.  (functioning as singular or plural) a federal republic mainly in North America consisting of 50 states and the District of Columbia: colonized principally by the English and French in the 17th century, the native Indians being gradually defeated and displaced; 13 colonies under British rule made the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and became the United States after the War of American Independence. The northern states defeated the South in the Civil War (1861–65). It is the world's most productive industrial nation and also exports agricultural products. It consists generally of the Rocky Mountains in the west, the Great Plains in the centre, the Appalachians in the east, deserts in the southwest, and coastal lowlands and swamps in the southeast. Language: predominantly English; Spanish is also widely spoken. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: dollar. Capital: Washington, DC. Pop: 316 668 567 (2013 est). Area: 9 518 323 sq km (3 675 031 sq miles)

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Etymology

Origin of United States of America

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

I don’t know about Europe, but clearly the United States of America in 2026 does not.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

The words of Fifa president Gianni Infantino when hailing this summer's World Cup across the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran,” and mediating nations, Trump said on Truth Social, his social-media platform.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

"This Europe will be a good ally and partner for the United States of America."

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

She reached under her desk and pulled out a thick leather book called Atlas of the United States of America.

From "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis