United States of America

American  

[yoo-nahy-tid steyts uhv uh-mer-i-kuh] / juˈnaɪ tɪd ˈsteɪts əv əˈmɛr ɪ kə /

noun

1. official name of the United States. U.S.A., USA

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United States of America British  

noun

1. Often shortened to: United States.   US.   USA.  (functioning as singular or plural) a federal republic mainly in North America consisting of 50 states and the District of Columbia: colonized principally by the English and French in the 17th century, the native Indians being gradually defeated and displaced; 13 colonies under British rule made the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and became the United States after the War of American Independence. The northern states defeated the South in the Civil War (1861–65). It is the world's most productive industrial nation and also exports agricultural products. It consists generally of the Rocky Mountains in the west, the Great Plains in the centre, the Appalachians in the east, deserts in the southwest, and coastal lowlands and swamps in the southeast. Language: predominantly English; Spanish is also widely spoken. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: dollar. Capital: Washington, DC. Pop: 316 668 567 (2013 est). Area: 9 518 323 sq km (3 675 031 sq miles)

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Etymology

Origin of United States of America

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

United States of America

This is supposed to be the United States of America, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2026

Since the inception of the United States of America, states have controlled their elections.

From Slate ● Sep. 3, 2026

“I have to reiterate, Los Angeles may be the physical host of the Olympics, but it is the United States of America that is in fact hosting this Olympics,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

"In general, the United States of America has nothing that it can do that had not done before," Laylaz said, noting years of isolation had made Iran's economy largely self-sufficient.

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

I rose and approached the president of the United States of America.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals