American English

noun

: the English language as spoken in the U.S.
used especially with the implication that it is clearly distinguishable from British English yet not so divergent as to be a separate language

Examples of American English in a Sentence

There are many differences between British English and American English.

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of American English was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near American English

Cite this Entry

“American English.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20English. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!