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  

/ bɪˈkɒz, -ˈkəz /

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; see by ( def. ), cause ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

because

Knight, Robert Sherrill, the Washington correspondent for The Nation, was – after holding press passes over several years – denied a press pass because the Secret Service advised he should not be given one.

From Salon ● Sep. 22, 2026

At first, he kept his extraterrestrial experiences to himself, he said, because he was afraid of the potential blowback.

From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026

"Obviously it's a concern because our chief business cost on a day-to-day basis is fuel. I think we're headed for pretty tough times ahead," Allis said.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

“We chose the Puth family residence because we just knew Montecito would offer the perfect backdrop,” the couple told Vogue.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 22, 2026

Arlo and I go out of our way to be extra nice to Dad, because even though he doesn’t know it yet, sometime soon, he’s gonna be heartbroken.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold