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

For four years on the boys team, brother Nikolas Khamenia became an All-American because of his versatility.

From Los Angeles Times

“We were all-American in terms of our values. We served happily in the military, and wanted to fight in the front lines. By today’s terms, we would be conservative.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The Bruins coach let the honorable mention All-American know that if he wanted to play in the NBA, his defense would have to improve and he’d be held accountable.

From Los Angeles Times

This was a different approach than that of most coaches pursuing the honorable mention All-American from New Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times

UCLA’s pick up of McDonald’s All-American Gabriela Jaquez, combined with national recruits, sets the stage for others to follow.

From Los Angeles Times