English

[ ing-glish or, often, -lish ]

/ ˈɪŋ glɪʃ or, often, -lɪʃ /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of England or its inhabitants, institutions, etc.

belonging or relating to, or spoken or written in, the English language: a high-school English class; an English translation of a Spanish novel.

noun

the people of England collectively, especially as distinguished from the Scots, Welsh, and Irish.

the Germanic language of the British Isles, widespread and standard also in the U.S. and most of the British Commonwealth, historically termed Old English (c450–c1150), Middle English (c1150–c1475), and Modern English (after c1475). Abbreviation: E

English language, composition, and literature as offered as a course of study in school.

a specific variety of this language, as that of a particular time, place, or person: American English; Shakespearean English.

simple, straightforward language: What does all that jargon mean in English?

Sports. (sometimes lowercase)

a spinning motion imparted to a ball, especially in billiards.
body English.

Printing. a 14-point type of a size between pica and Columbian.

a grade of calendered paper having a smooth matte finish.

verb (used with object)

to translate into English: to English Euripides.

to adopt (a foreign word) into English; Anglicize.

(sometimes lowercase) Sports. to impart English to (a ball).

Origin of English

before 900; Middle English; Old English Englisc, equivalent to Engle (plural) the English (compare Latin Anglī; see Angle) + -isc -ish¹

OTHER WORDS FROM English

Eng·lish·ness, noun an·ti-Eng·lish, adjective half-Eng·lish, adjective non-Eng·lish, adjective, noun

pre-Eng·lish, adjective pro-Eng·lish, adjective pseu·do-Eng·lish, adjective qua·si-Eng·lish, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for half-english

You see you speak our language, Mr. Gotobed, and we can't help thinking you are half-English.

The American Senator |Anthony Trollope
The "English" or half-English characters, who come in sometimes as foils, are also rather of the stick, sticky.

Essays in English Literature, 1780-1860 |George Saintsbury
The study of the behaviour of the "half-English" during the war has an inherent air of reality and moderation.

The London Mercury, Vol. I, Nos. 1-6, November 1919 to April 1920 |Various
She was half-English, half-Polynesian, and a really and truly queen.

The Little Lady of the Big House |Jack London

A word in your ear—that pleasant half-English face is the face of the Governor's daughter.

Acadia |Frederic S. Cozzens

British Dictionary definitions for half-english (1 of 2)

half-English

adjective

having partial English citizenship through the nationality of one parent

British Dictionary definitions for half-english (2 of 2)

English

/ (ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ) /

noun

the official language of Britain, the US, most parts of the Commonwealth, and certain other countries. It is the native language of over 280 million people and is acquired as a second language by many more. It is an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch See also Middle English, Old English, Modern English

the English (functioning as plural) the natives or inhabitants of England collectively

(formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 14 point

an old style of black-letter typeface

(often not capital) the usual US and Canadian term for side (def. 16)

adjective

denoting, using, or relating to the English language

relating to or characteristic of England or the English

verb (tr)

archaic to translate or adapt into English Related prefix: Anglo-

Derived forms of English

Englishness, noun

Idioms and Phrases with half-english

English

see body English; in plain English.

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

English

adjective

noun

verb (used with object)

Origin of English

OTHER WORDS FROM English

Example sentences from the Web for half-english

British Dictionary definitions for half-english (1 of 2)

adjective

British Dictionary definitions for half-english (2 of 2)

noun

adjective

verb (tr)

Derived forms of English

Idioms and Phrases with half-english