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

---

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)

---

Etymology

Origin of United States of America

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

The Vatican described the talks as “cordial” and said “the shared commitment to cultivate good bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America was renewed.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

"It's all tied together as one big, expensive, and very complex unit, which is vital for National Security and Military Operations of the United States of America!"

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

March 14: "Many countries...will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe."

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 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

"Maybe you do things different in your United States of America."

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez