New World

American  

noun

1. the Americas and Oceania, especially when regarded collectively as the inhabited landmasses of the world that became known to Europe after its discovery of the Americas.

2. Western Hemisphere.

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New World British  

noun

1. the Americas; the western hemisphere

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New World Cultural  

1. A name for the Americas, especially during the time of first exploration and colonization of the Americas by Europeans. (Compare Old World.)

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Etymology

Origin of New World

First recorded in 1545–50

Example Sentences

Christopher Columbus was trying to find a westward route from Europe to Asia when he discovered the New World.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

But in doing so he has reopened a fierce debate over the colonisation of the New World.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

The spread of New World screwworm in Mexico and the slow pace of herd rebuilding add uncertainty to future beef supply and prices.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Nonnative livestock — not just horses and cows but also donkeys, pigs and sheep — thrived in the vast grasslands, plains and deserts of the New World.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

While over a dozen major infectious diseases of Old World origins became established in the New World, perhaps not a single major killer reached Europe from the Americas.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond