Americana

plural noun

Amer·​i·​ca·​na ə-ˌmer-ə-ˈkä-nə 

-ˌmər-,

-ˌme-rə-,

-ˈka-nə 

1

: materials concerning or characteristic of America, its civilization, or its culture

broadly : things typical of America

2

: American culture

3

: a genre of American music having roots in early folk and country music

Examples of Americana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Covid and a sputtering Presidency lie behind us, a sense of national renewal and smooth economic sailing ahead; that moment of pure Americana may come as close as any to capturing the optimism of where 2024 may lead. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024

But June becomes the archetype of the day, which is also what Rose did to June Havoc, with all that Shirley Temple cutesy-pie Americana. —Adam Moss, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024

The five most popular recipes of the year read more than any others were for throw-back, vintage Americana comfort foods. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024

Williams put his own twist on the Americana aesthetic by styling his wardrobe of white, black, light wash and dark wash bootcut jeans with everything from leather fringe moto jackets, classic zip-up knits and preppy polo shirts to cropped double-breasted blazers, rodeo jackets and cowboy hats. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1