America

American  

[uh-mer-i-kuh] / əˈmɛr ɪ kə /

noun

1. United States.

2. North America.

3. South America.

4. Also called the Americas.  North and South America considered together.

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America British  

/ əˈmɛrɪkə /

noun

1. short for the United States of America

2. Also called: the Americas.  the American continent, including North, South, and Central America

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“America” Cultural  

1. An American patriotic hymn from the nineteenth century, sung to the tune of the national anthem of Great Britain, “God Save the Queen.” It begins, “My country, 'tis of thee.”

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Usage

Spelling tips for America It can be difficult to remember how to spell the word America because it’s a place name that’s thought to be derived from a person’s name (Amerigo Vespucci). How to spell America: To remember how to spell America, think of a woman named Erica introducing herself: “Hi, I am Erica.”

Etymology

Origin of America

C16: from Americus , Latin form of Amerigo ; after Amerigo _Vespucci

Example Sentences

Team America members have echoed or spread such material themselves.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

It persuaded him to study physiotherapy at a technical college in Leeds before heading to North America in search of a job.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Trade between the U.S. and China continued to contract, with Chinese exports to America falling 26% in March.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Yet it was not just a celebration of Karol’s country people; but a musical welcome wagon, extended from Latin America to the rest of the world.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Once, he got himself invited to a meeting with the CEO of Bank of America, Ken Lewis.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis