British

noun

Brit·​ish ˈbri-tish 

1

a

: the Celtic language of the ancient Britons

b

: british english

2

plural in construction : the people of Great Britain or the Commonwealth of Nations

British adjective

Britishism

ˈbri-ti-ˌshi-zəm 

noun

Britishness noun

Examples of British in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

James Bond was first dreamt up by a 44-year-old author named Ian Fleming, who was a Lt. Commander with British Naval Intelligence during World War II. —Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 27 June 2025

The leaders reluctantly agree to a PR scheme plotted by their advisors, sharply played by Sarah Niles on the American side and Richard Coyle on the British. —Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025

With a little magic, guests are transported to Harry Potter’s timeline and a life-size British Ministry of Magic for one of Epic Universe’s most popular rides, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 27 June 2025

Designed in-house and now implemented with Aer Lingus, the system is poised to roll out across IAG’s other airlines British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and LEVEL by year’s end. —Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Bruttische of Britain, from Old English Brettisc, from Brettas Britons, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh Brython Briton

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing British

• anti-British
• British English
• British Summer Time
• British thermal unit
• the British

Rhymes for British

• skittish

Kids Definition

British

1 of 2 noun

Brit·​ish

ˈbrit-ish

1

plural British : the people of Great Britain or their descendants

2

: the English language as spoken in England

British

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of or relating to the original people of Britain

2

a

: of or relating to Great Britain or the British

b

: English entry 1