America

[ uh-mer-i-kuh ]

noun

1. United States.
2. North America.
3. South America.
4. Also called the Americas. North and South America considered together.

America

/ əˈmɛrɪkə /

noun

1. short for the United States of America
2. Also calledthe Americas the American continent, including North, South, and Central America

“America”

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.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of America¹

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

Example Sentences

“As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families.

From Salon

Political messages seem designed to keep voters “emotionally on edge,” said Vaile Wright, a licensed psychologist in Villa Park, Ill., and a member of the APA’s Stress in America team.

From Los Angeles Times

The company discontinued mineral-based talc in North America in 2020 - and followed suit in the UK last year - replacing it with cornstarch.

From BBC

“America’s schoolchildren and college students deserved an Education Secretary who brings deep education experience to the role,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I have known Dr. Oz for many years, and I am confident he will fight to ensure everyone in America receives the best possible Healthcare, so our Country can be Great and Healthy Again!”

From Los Angeles Times

How Do You Spell America?

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.”