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.

---

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

---

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

Kidlike company off-sites are gaining traction because they reduce the odds of bad behavior and put everyone on equal footing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

This was the first time she met many of her co-workers because she joined the company in February and works in the San Francisco office, while some colleagues are based in New York and London.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

The study showed that 3.6 percent of respondents -- equivalent to some 1.25 million workers in the population -- did not work at all that week because of the heat.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

It said water prices in some parts of Somalia had risen by more than 2,000% because of the drought.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

He called his squire, because Sancho had the helmet.

From "Adventures of Don Quixote" by Argentina Palacios