: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language
Englishness
noun
1
a
: the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control
b
: a particular variety of English distinguished by peculiarities (as of pronunciation)
c
: English language, literature, or composition when a subject of study
2
plural in construction
: the people of England
3
a
: an English translation
b
: idiomatic or intelligible English
4
: spin around the vertical axis deliberately imparted to a ball that is driven or rolled compare draw, follow, body english
Englished; Englishing; Englishes
Examples of English in a Sentence
Noun
The English traditionally have afternoon tea.
I asked the doctor to give me my diagnosis in English, not medical jargon.
Recent Examples on the Web
Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
His leadership experience includes prior service as a middle school assistant principal and English Learner specialist, according to officials.
—Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
In late March, Tijuana officials introduced an English-language app known as the Emergency Button, or Botón de Emergencia.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
It was conducted in English and Spanish, both by phone and online.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
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Noun
Sloane called her mother on her Apple Watch and, in a mix of English and Mandarin, requested a transfusion of Apple Cash.
—Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
His leadership experience includes prior service as a middle school assistant principal and English Learner specialist, according to officials.
—Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
In late March, Tijuana officials introduced an English-language app known as the Emergency Button, or Botón de Emergencia.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
It was conducted in English and Spanish, both by phone and online.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for English
Cite this Entry
“English.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/English. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
English
1 of 2 adjective
En·glish
ˈiŋ-glish 
: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language
English
2 of 2 noun1
a
: the language of the people of England and the U.S. and many areas now or formerly under British control
b
: English language, literature, or writing technique that is a subject of study
2
English plural
: the people of England
3
: a sideways spin given to a ball when it is struck or bowled
Etymology
Adjective
Old English englisc "English," from Engle "the Angles (Germanic people who invaded England in the 5th century along with the Saxons and with them formed the Anglo-Saxon peoples)"
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