America
Americannoun
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Also called the Americas. North and South America considered together.
noun
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short for the United States of America
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Also called: the Americas. the American continent, including North, South, and Central America
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Directors Guild of America is the last union that still needs to land its own agreement.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
Around £780m has been raised including financial contributions from America, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
From BBC • May 12, 2026
In April, the spending growth for high-income customers compared to last year was twice the size of middle-income shoppers, Bank of America researchers wrote.
From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026
Along the way, I hope to learn a critical supply chain—but even more I hope to learn about America and Americans.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
“Oh, Lizzie, a plane to America? How wonderful!”
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
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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.