First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1English
adjective En·glish \ˈiŋ-glish, ˈiŋ-lish\
: of or relating to England or its people
: of or relating to the chief language of Great Britain, the U.S., etc.
Full Definition of ENGLISH
: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language
— En·glish·ness noun
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Origin of ENGLISH
Middle English, from Old English englisc, from Engle (plural) Angles
Rhymes with ENGLISH
2English
noun
: the chief language of Great Britain, the U.S., and many areas now or formerly under British control
: a particular type of English
: English language, literature, or writing as a subject of study
Full Definition of ENGLISH
1
a : the language of the people of England and the United States 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
See English defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ENGLISH
before 12th century
Other Education Terms
3English
verb
Definition of ENGLISH
transitive verb
1
: to translate into English
2
: to adopt into English : anglicize
First Known Use of ENGLISH
14th century
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
ENGLISH Defined for Kids
1English
adjective En·glish \ˈiŋ-glish\
Definition of ENGLISH for Kids
: of or relating to England, its people, or the English language <English literature> <English customs>
2English
noun
Definition of ENGLISH for Kids
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
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