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.
Ugarte is a former deputy chief of staff for Price and Mazariegos is co-director of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Los Angeles and is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026
Though gone from the stomachs of people in the industrialised world, the bacteria has been detected among tribes in Africa and South America, Sarhan said.
From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026
As an energy exporter, America is benefiting from the revenue.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
In his endorsement posted to Truth Social on Monday, Trump wrote that Kean was a "Tremendous Advocate of our America First Agenda" and "is working tirelessly".
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
But in America, at least you get a chance.
From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman
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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.