What does english mean?
English is a West Germanic language that arose in medieval England from dialects brought by Germanic settlers — the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes — and has grown into one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, serving as a first language for hundreds of millions and a lingua franca for countless more. The word itself derives from 'Englisc,' meaning 'pertaining to the Angles,' the tribe whose name gave England its own name. Beyond the language, 'English' functions as an adjective describing anything connected to England, its people, or its culture, as in English literature or English history. In American sporting slang, an uncapitalized 'english' also denotes spin applied to a ball in pool or billiards. Rich in vocabulary drawn from Latin, French, and Norse sources alongside its Germanic core, English occupies a unique position in global communication today.
The West Germanic language of England, now spoken worldwide as a primary or secondary language.
"Her command of written English impressed the admissions committee."
Relating to England, its people, or their language.
"They toured the English countryside by bicycle."
(US, informal, in billiards and pool) Spin imparted to a ball to alter its trajectory after contact.
"A touch of english sent the cue ball neatly off the cushion."
The word 'English' literally means 'of the Angles' — the Germanic tribe whose name, not the Saxons', ended up naming the whole language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of english
The word 'English' descends from Old English 'Englisc,' formed from 'Engle,' the Angles — a Germanic people who migrated to Britain in the fifth century. Their tribal name is related to the Angeln region of what is now northern Germany. Cognates and derivatives sharing this root include 'Anglican,' 'Anglophile,' and the Latin 'Anglia.' The spelling stabilized as 'English' during Middle English, influenced by French orthographic conventions after the Norman Conquest.
How english is actually used
When referring to the language or to England and its people, 'English' is capitalized. In billiards slang, the uncapitalized 'english' meaning spin is chiefly North American; British speakers generally say 'side' instead.
Easily confused with english
'English' refers specifically to England and its people or language, while 'British' refers more broadly to the United Kingdom as a whole, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.