Americanism

noun

Amer·​i·​can·​ism ə-ˈmer-ə-kə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Americanism (audio)
-ˈmər-, 
-ˈme-rə-
1
: a characteristic feature of American English especially as contrasted with British English
2
: attachment or allegiance to the traditions, interests, or ideals of the U.S.
3
a
: a custom or trait peculiar to America
b
: the political principles and practices essential to American culture

Examples of Americanism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is a win-win for anti-Americanism and its greed. — Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026 This fear leads them to think and act in ways wholly out of line with traditional Americanism. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 How much of the politics of Chávez and Maduro was based on anti-Americanism? — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026 And that tended to create, in my parents’ sort of liberal-minded circle, a certain anti-Americanism. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Americanism

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of Americanism was in 1779

Phrases Containing Americanism

Rhymes for Americanism

See All Rhymes for Americanism

Browse Nearby Words

Americanisation
Americanism
Americanist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Americanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Americanism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Americanism

noun
Amer·​i·​can·​ism ə-ˈmer-ə-kə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce Americanism (audio)
1
: a word or meaning of a word that is common only in American English
2
: loyalty to the traditions, interests, or standards of the U.S.
3
: a custom or attitude common only to Americans

More from Merriam-Webster on Americanism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Americanism

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