old country
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of old country
First recorded in 1775–85
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Americans could be forgiven for wondering what is the point of the old country beyond some fine costume drama, a smattering of challenging golf courses, and a cheap alternative for their children’s education.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
That's not to say there isn't still a huge amount of goodwill towards everyone from the "old country".
From BBC • Mar. 15, 2025
The bulk of Maniscalco’s most recognizable bits revolve around stories about his hairdresser father, Salvo, whose no-nonsense immigrant wisdom is exported from the old country.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024
Down an old country road, off a winding gravel trail, I found the little swamp marsh that will someday be devoured by the rising sea.
From Salon • May 11, 2024
I’d heard stories of old country burials with singers and dancers, but I wasn’t sure what to do, so we just dug a hole and said a passel of prayers.
From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
