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• America
  America

  noun

  United States.
• “America”
  “America”

  An American patriotic hymn from the nineteenth century, sung to the tune of the national anthem of Great Britain, “God Save the Queen.” It begins, “My country, 'tis of thee.”

America

American  

[uh-mer-i-kuh] / əˈmɛr ɪ kə /

noun

1. United States.

2. North America.

3. South America.

4. Also called the Americas.  North and South America considered together.

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America British  

/ əˈmɛrɪkə /

noun

1. short for the United States of America

2. Also called: the Americas.  the American continent, including North, South, and Central America

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“America” Cultural  

1. An American patriotic hymn from the nineteenth century, sung to the tune of the national anthem of Great Britain, “God Save the Queen.” It begins, “My country, 'tis of thee.”

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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

It showed that even in a polarized America, fractured by the Vietnam War, reconciliation and healing is always possible, a message that is once again desperately needed today.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 27, 2026

The opposite page shows a painting depicting the declaration's signing in 1776, with the words "United States of America 250."

From Barron's • Jun. 27, 2026

That includes not taking a breakup with America too far.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 27, 2026

Though the genre originated in Cuba, it quickly gained popularity across Latin America, with each culture putting their own spin on it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

“But you belong in America, Nory Ryan. And you’ll bring something with you. My cures. My medicine. A gift to that young free country.”

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff