because

American  

[bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz] / bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz /

conjunction

1. for the reason that; due to the fact that.

   The boy was absent because he was ill.

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preposition

1. Informal. (used directly before a noun, adjective, verb, interjection, etc., to convey a very concise rationale, excuse, or explanation).

   We’re a little like monkeys because evolution.

   He doesn’t practice enough: because lazy.

   I love doughnuts because yum!

idioms

1. because of, by reason of; due to.

   Schools were closed because of heavy snowfall.

because British  

/ -ˈkəz, bɪˈkɒz /

conjunction

1. (subordinating) on account of the fact that; on account of being; since

   because it's so cold we'll go home

2. (preposition) on account of

   I lost my job because of her

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Usage

See reason.

Etymology

Origin of because

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bi cause; by ( def. ), cause ( def. )

Example Sentences

Bonta argued that the formal court order was necessary because “what the sheriff says and what he does are often two different things.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

That is because U.S. indexes saw big gains out the gate that were quickly tempered by headlines raising questions about the durability of the cease-fire agreement.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Golf became repetitive, and demoralizing, because I couldn’t score as low as I used to.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Pam Bondi will not testify about the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein to a congressional committee next week because she is no longer the US attorney general, the justice department says.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Window shades are down because of the heat.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith