English
1 of 3adjective
En·glish ˈiŋ-glish 
ˈiŋ-lish
ˈiŋ-lish : of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language
Englishness noun
English
2 of 3noun
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
English
3 of 3verb
Englished; Englishing; Englishes
transitive verb
1
: to translate into English
2
: to adopt into English : anglicize
Example Sentences
Noun The English traditionally have afternoon tea. I asked the doctor to give me my diagnosis in English, not medical jargon.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English, from Old English englisc, from Engle (plural) Angles
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing English
Kids Definition
English 1 of 2
adjective
En·glish ˈiŋ-glish
: of or relating to England, its people, or the English language
English literature
English customs
English
2 of 2noun
1
: the language of England, the United States, and some other countries now or at one time under British rule
2
English plural : the people of England
3
: English language or literature as a subject in school
Biographical Definition
English
biographical name
En·glish ˈiŋ-glish
ˈiŋ-lish
Bill 1961– Simon William English prime minister of New Zealand (2016–2017)