əˈmerə̇kəˌnizəm, -ēk- noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
1. : a characteristic feature of American English especially as contrasted with British English (as hydrant, lynch, cookie, prairie, frame house, woodchuck, I guess, catercorner, store meaning “shop”, corn meaning “maize”)
2. : attachment or allegiance to the traditions, interests, or ideals of the United States or of democracy as practiced in the United States
3.
a. : a custom peculiar to the United States or to America
b. : an American attitude or trait
his frankness was considered an Americanism
c. : a sociopolitical principle or practice essential to American national culture
the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution are fundamental to Americanism
4. : heckerism