because

American  

[bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz] / bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz /

conjunction

1. for the reason that; due to the fact that.

   The boy was absent because he was ill.

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preposition

1. Informal. (used directly before a noun, adjective, verb, interjection, etc., to convey a very concise rationale, excuse, or explanation).

   We’re a little like monkeys because evolution.

   He doesn’t practice enough: because lazy.

   I love doughnuts because yum!

idioms

1. because of, by reason of; due to.

   Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall.

because British  

/ -ˈkəz, bɪˈkɒz /

conjunction

1. (subordinating) on account of the fact that; on account of being; since

   because it's so cold we'll go home

2. (preposition) on account of

   I lost my job because of her

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Usage

See reason.

Etymology

Origin of because

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bi cause; see by ( def. ), cause ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

because

The largest share of rejected mail ballots — 93,479 ballots — were declined because the ballot was not received on time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

Pierre Pourquery said that people are wearing masks and some are struggling to breathe because of a "thick smoke haze" that has been blown across the city.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

It starts off as a cute little white cloud -- a cumulus cloud, which is formed because water vapour has turned into tiny droplets.

From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026

Hambleton would not defend himself in court because he did not want to waste money on a lawsuit.

From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026

Don Quixote was again on his Rocinante; Sancho rode the only mount he had, a grayish donkey he called Rucio because of its color.

From "Adventures of Don Quixote" by Argentina Palacios