american Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a native or inhabitant of the United States
  2. noun the English language as used in the United States
    American English; American language.
  3. noun a native or inhabitant of a North American or Central American or South American country
  4. adjective of or relating to the United States of America or its people or language or culture
    • American citizens
    • American English
    • the American dream
  5. adjective of or relating to or characteristic of the continents and islands of the Americas
    • the American hemisphere
    • American flora and fauna

WordNet

A*mer"i*can adjective
Etymology
Named from Americus Vespucius.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to America; as, the American continent: American Indians.
  2. Of or pertaining to the United States. "A young officer of the American navy." Lyell.
A*mer"i*can noun
Definitions
  1. A native of America; -- originally applied to the aboriginal inhabitants, but now applied to the descendants of Europeans born in America, and especially to the citizens of the United States.
    The name American must always exalt the pride of patriotism. Washington.

Webster 1913