American Meaning

American Definition & Usage
Pertaining to or characteristic of the United States of America, its culture, history, or people.
Examples
- "She is studying American history at university."
- "He moved to an American city to pursue his career in technology."
- "The American Dream continues to inspire people around the world."
- "Many American families enjoy barbecues in the summer."
- "The American election system is quite different from parliamentary systems."
A person who is from the United States or its territories.
Examples
- "She is an American, born and raised in New York."
- "The Americans in the room applauded the team's victory."
- "My friend is an American living abroad in London."
- "The group of Americans traveled to Europe for a cultural exchange."
- "He is an American citizen, although he has roots in Mexico."
Pertaining to the continent of America (both North and South America).
Examples
- "The American continent spans from the Arctic to the Antarctic."
- "Many American animals, like jaguars and llamas, are native to South America."
- "The American continent is home to diverse climates and ecosystems."
- "They studied American geography as part of their school curriculum."
- "The Treaty of Tordesillas divided the newly discovered American lands between Spain and Portugal."
Cultural Context
The word 'American' is frequently used to describe aspects of the United States, both as a nation and as a global cultural influence. It is also sometimes used to describe the broader Americas, encompassing both North and South America. The term carries with it a complex set of connotations that vary depending on context. For instance, 'American' culture is often associated with values such as individualism, democracy, and freedom, while the word can also reflect stereotypes or generalizations about the US. Additionally, the idea of being 'American' can often mean being part of the diverse and multicultural population of the United States.
The American Roadtrip
Story
The American Roadtrip
It was a cool summer evening when Emily and Ben set off on their long-awaited American road trip. They had dreamed of this moment for years, traveling from their small town in the Midwest to the bustling streets of New York City. As they drove through the vast, open plains, Emily remarked, 'It’s crazy how big this country is. Everything is so wide and endless. This is definitely an American landscape.' Ben nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. 'Yeah, it’s part of what makes America feel so unique. The diversity, the endless possibilities. It’s the American Dream, right?' Emily smiled. They were both born in the U.S., but in some ways, this trip was more about discovering the different aspects of American culture, from the food to the people they would meet along the way. As they reached the outskirts of Chicago, they stopped at a diner. The waitress, a friendly woman named Joan, greeted them with a warm smile. 'You folks must be tourists,' she said. 'Yes,' Emily replied, 'We’re from a small town, so we wanted to experience the bigger cities. I guess we’re just a couple of typical Americans on vacation.' Joan chuckled. 'Well, you’re in the right place for an American experience!' The food was classic American fare – burgers, fries, and milkshakes – and as they ate, they began talking with other travelers. Ben couldn’t help but think about how being 'American' meant so many different things to different people. The trip continued, with each new city offering a different slice of life in America. From the beaches of California to the skyscrapers of New York, they found themselves constantly reflecting on the different meanings of 'American' they encountered. The culture, the people, the geography – it was all so uniquely vast yet connected. When they finally returned home, they felt that they had truly experienced something profound. 'We are definitely different,' Emily said, 'but we’re also so much the same. That’s what makes us all American.'
