America

American  

[uh-mer-i-kuh] / əˈmɛr ɪ kə /

noun

1. United States.

2. North America.

3. South America.

4. Also called the Americas.  North and South America considered together.

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America British  

/ əˈmɛrɪkə /

noun

1. short for the United States of America

2. Also called: the Americas.  the American continent, including North, South, and Central America

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“America” Cultural  

1. An American patriotic hymn from the nineteenth century, sung to the tune of the national anthem of Great Britain, “God Save the Queen.” It begins, “My country, 'tis of thee.”

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Usage

Spelling tips for America It can be difficult to remember how to spell the word America because it’s a place name that’s thought to be derived from a person’s name (Amerigo Vespucci). How to spell America: To remember how to spell America, think of a woman named Erica introducing herself: “Hi, I am Erica.”

Etymology

Origin of America

C16: from Americus , Latin form of Amerigo ; after Amerigo _Vespucci

Example Sentences

America’s shale industry was starting to become an afterthought—production had flattened and was expected to decline.

From Barron's

She has tried to replace those who left with “people who are idealistic, want to give back to their country, want to make the country a better place for all people in America.”

From The Wall Street Journal

While America’s economic backdrop remains relatively strong, “without clear resolution on the conflict and stabilization in energy markets, it’s hard to see a sustained move higher,” said Mark Hackett, Nationwide’s chief market strategist.

From The Wall Street Journal

The numbers for the year through June 2025 also show fewer people bailing on America’s tech epicenter, a modest Midwest rebound and rising appeal for small southern metros.

From The Wall Street Journal

In light of those prior failures, study results from the U.K. drugmaker come as a positive surprise, Bank of America says.

From The Wall Street Journal