American English

American  

noun

1. the English language as spoken and written in the U.S.

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Etymology

Origin of American English

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Compare meaning

How does american-english compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• British English vs. American English
• Canadian English vs. American English

Example Sentences

Unlike in American English usage, where war is waged on everything from drugs to poverty, the Germans reserve Krieg for armies fighting armies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

He spoke flawless American English, having spent much of his childhood in upstate New York and then attended MIT, where he earned multiple degrees.

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2025

"This affects fairness for African American English speakers in every institution using voice technology, including health care and employment."

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2024

In a subconscious attempt to blend in, I lost my Chinese accent, replacing it with a crisp American English with distinct Californian characteristics.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 25, 2023

Similarly, in American English, standard practice is not to add a final s to backward, downward, forward, onward, upward, and so on.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner