all-American

American  

[awl-uh-mer-i-kuhn] / ˌɔl əˈmɛr ɪ kən /

adjective

1. representing the entire United States.

2. composed exclusively of American members or elements.

3. selected as the best in the United States, as in a sport.

   the all-American college football team of 1983.

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noun

1. an all-American player or performer.

all-American British  

adjective

1. representative of the whole of the United States

2. composed exclusively of American members

3. (of a person) typically American

   the company looks for all-American clean-cut college students

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Etymology

Origin of all-American

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

While we’re all familiar with certain all-American fare—hot dogs, hamburgers, apple pie, barbecue—there are of course many lesser-known dishes that have come to define the nation and its dining habits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

In just the second all-American semi-final in tournament history, Anisimova enjoyed the better start, leaping to a 3-0 advantage and she extended her lead to scoop the opening set in under 30 minutes.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

Constan said things began to shift for his all-American stance in early 2025.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

Henry, the great poet’s alter ego, reappears in all his ambiguity and confusion, an all-American, unremarkable, yet observant “unheroic hero” in the words of Shane McCrae, who writes the Introduction to this collection.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

The rich people pressed enough cash into someone’s hands to keep it lush and vagrant free, and a new, all-American bandstand stood whitewashed against the greenery at the back of the property.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx