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

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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)

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Etymology

Origin of United States of America

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

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

"This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all Nato Nations," he wrote.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

“This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL,” he wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Carla asks me desperately, as if I know what she’ll need in the United States of America, where I’ve never been.

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez