United States of America

American  

[yoo-nahy-tid steyts uhv uh-mer-i-kuh] / yuˈnaɪ 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

“With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate cease-fire,” he wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

“Just as much excitement for sure, anytime I get an opportunity to represent the United States of America is an honor,” said Bowe, who finished fourth in the 1,000 meters in Milan already.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

"This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all Nato Nations," he wrote.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

“They’re lying on the floor,” he said, “leaning on their packs and their helmets and their cartridge belts and their rifles cocked, and you’re thinking, ‘This can’t be the United States of America.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge