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

---

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)

---

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

“With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate cease-fire,” he wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Inter Miami's global success is "not only because of Lionel Messi, but these men standing behind you have changed the culture of football in the United States of America forever," Mas said.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Is that an act of great heroism in the United States of America?

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers