American

UK: əˈmɛrɪkən | US: əˈmɛrɪkən

Definition

  1. adj. relating to the United States of America or its people, culture, or geography

  2. n. a native or citizen of the United States of America

Structure
America <continent/nation name>an <adjective/noun suffix denoting origin or belonging>
Etymology

The word "American" derives from "America," the name of the continents (North and South America), which itself originates from the Latinized version of the explorer Amerigo Vespucci's first name. The suffix "-an" (from Latin "-anus") indicates association or belonging, forming adjectives or nouns (e.g., "Roman," "urban"). Over time, "American" became specifically tied to the United States due to its dominant cultural and political identity in the Americas.

Examples

  1. The American flag has 50 stars representing each state.

  2. She is an American studying abroad in Spain.

  3. American literature includes works by Mark Twain and Emily Dickinson.

  4. The company expanded its American operations last year.

  5. He loves American jazz music from the 1920s.