English

1 of 3

adjective

En·​glish ˈiŋ-glish  ˈiŋ-lish 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language

Englishness noun

English

2 of 3

noun

1

a

: the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control

b

: a particular variety of English distinguished by peculiarities (as of pronunciation)

c

: English language, literature, or composition when a subject of study

2

plural in construction : the people of England

3

a

: an English translation

b

: idiomatic or intelligible English

4

: spin around the vertical axis deliberately imparted to a ball that is driven or rolled compare draw, follow, body english

English

3 of 3

verb

Englished; Englishing; Englishes

transitive verb

1

: to translate into English

2

: to adopt into English : anglicize

Examples of English in a Sentence

Noun

The English traditionally have afternoon tea.

I asked the doctor to give me my diagnosis in English, not medical jargon.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Pinner’s book is a raw, first-hand account of being an English soldier caught in the midst of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 June 2024

In addition to being a big fan of the sport, Prince William is president of the Football Association, the governing body of English soccer, and showed his support for the team with a red, white and blue tie. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 20 June 2024

Noun

The names, a mix of English, French and Spanish monikers, have no link to any individuals, officials stress. —Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024

For more information about how cars can heat up quickly when left in the sun, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website in both English and Spanish. —Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English englisc, from Engle (plural) Angles

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing English

• African American English
• African American Vernacular English
• American English
• anti-English
• Black English
• Black English vernacular
• body English
• borough English
• British English
• English breakfast
• English cocker spaniel
• English daisy
• English foxhound
• English holly
• English horn
• English ivy
• English muffin
• English pea
• English saddle
• English setter
• English shepherd
• English sonnet
• English sparrow
• English springer spaniel
• English system
• English toy spaniel
• English walnut
• English yew
• Hiberno English
• King's English
• Middle English
• New English Bible
• Old English
• Old English sheepdog
• pidgin English
• Southern English
• Standard English
• the English
• un-English

Kids Definition

English

1 of 2 adjective

En·​glish ˈiŋ-glish 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language

English

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control

b

: English language, literature, or writing technique that is a subject of study

2

English plural : the people of England

3

: a sideways spin given to a ball when it is struck or bowled

Etymology

Adjective

Old English englisc "English," from Engle "the Angles (Germanic people who invaded England in the 5th century along with the Saxons and with them formed the Anglo-Saxon peoples)"

Biographical Definition

English

biographical name

En·​glish ˈiŋ-glish 

ˈiŋ-lish

Bill 1961–    Simon William English prime minister of New Zealand (2016–2017)