Americanism

[uh-mer-i-kuh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. a custom, trait, belief, etc., peculiar to the United States of America or its citizens.

2. 1. a word, phrase, or other language feature that is especially characteristic of the English language as spoken or written in the U.S.

   2. such a word or phrase first recorded in American English.

3. devotion to or preference for the U.S. and its institutions.

Americanism

/ əˈmɛrɪkəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. a custom, linguistic usage, or other feature peculiar to or characteristic of the United States, its people, or their culture

2. loyalty to the United States, its people, customs, etc

Other Word Forms

• anti-Americanism noun
• pro-Americanism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Americanism¹

First recorded in 1775–85; American + -ism

Example Sentences

In its view, the Smithsonian’s mission is to promote its version of “Americanism.”

From Salon

This type of mentality is a relatively recent synthesis of fundamentalist religion and fundamentalist Americanism, very often with a heavy overlay of severe fundamentalist morality.

From Salon

Even the British have been trying to swat back Americanisms.

From Los Angeles Times

Other stories are grimmer: In late 1941, just after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese American Citizens League held an “Americanism Rally” at Washington Hall.

From Seattle Times

All of them, in the name of Americanism, have used undemocratic methods and doctrines which experience has shown can be properly identified as ‘fascist’….

From Salon