American Revolution

noun

Phrases

the American Revolution

: the war of 1775–83 in which 13 British colonies in North America broke free from British rule and became the United States of America

It was an ironic opportunity for Adams, who had spent much of his retirement criticizing the historical significance of the Declaration as anything more than an ornamental epilogue to the real story of the American Revolution.

—Joseph J. Ellis, American Heritage, May/June 1993

called also (chiefly British) the American War of Independence

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

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