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

Example Sentences

"I think it warrants that, because it is truly a great property," she said.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

And because photos can be snapped so quickly, it’s often hard for school supervisors to know it’s even happening.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

That matters because reduced DNA repair may be one pathway linking long-term night shift work with higher risk for certain cancers.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2026

In the Book of Mark, when Jesus sent his disciples out into the world, he told them to bring no food or money, because good people would take care of them.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

Ask anyone and they’d tell you, because it was a fact.

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