Proper noun

Singular American English

Plural -

American English

1. The form of the English language that is chiefly used in the United States, contrasted with British English and that of other places.
2. The form of the English language that is chiefly used in North America, contrasted with British English and that of other places.

Synonyms

• (English of North America): North American English

Related terms

• British English

Adjective

American English (comparative more American English, superlative most American English)

Positive American English

Comparative more American English

Superlative most American English

1. Of or related to, or spoken or written in American English.

Quotations

For examples of the usage of this term see the citations page.

American English (variously abbreviated AmE, AE, AmEng, USEng, en-US, also known as United States English, or U.S. English) is a set of dialects of the English language used mostly in the United States. Approximately two thirds of native speakers of English live in the United States.

English is the most common language in the United States. Though the U.S. federal government has no official language, English is considered the de facto, "in practice but not necessarily ordained by law", language of the United States because of its widespread use. English has been given official status by 30 of the 50 state governments.

The use of English in the United States was inherited from British colonization. The first wave of English-speaking settlers arrived in North America in the 17th century. During that time, there were also speakers in North America of Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Swedish, Scots, Welsh, Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Finnish, Russian (Alaska) and numerous Native American languages.