american eagle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal (for the bird/symbol). Informal/Commercial (for the brand).
Quick answer
What does “american eagle” mean?
A large bird of prey native to North America, specifically the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), the national bird and symbol of the United States.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large bird of prey native to North America, specifically the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), the national bird and symbol of the United States.
The term can also refer to a popular U.S. retail clothing brand, or metaphorically to any representation of U.S. sovereignty, strength, or patriotism, often in the form of a stylized eagle emblem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is recognised but primarily used in discussions of U.S. culture, politics, or ornithology. In the US, it is a common national symbol and familiar brand.
Connotations
In the US, carries strong connotations of patriotism, freedom, and national identity. In the UK, it is a foreign cultural symbol, sometimes viewed neutrally or with a sense of stereotypical American patriotism.
Frequency
High frequency in US cultural, political, and commercial contexts. Low to moderate frequency in the UK, typically in specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “american eagle” in a Sentence
The [American eagle] soared overhead.They saw an [American eagle].The [American eagle] is a symbol of freedom.She shops at [American Eagle].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american eagle” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The American-eagle motif was on the coin.
- He had an American-eagle tattoo.
American English
- The American Eagle brand is popular.
- It was an American-eagle style pin.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the clothing retailer 'American Eagle Outfitters'.
Academic
Used in biology (ornithology), political science, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing US symbols, nature documentaries, or shopping.
Technical
Specific to zoological classification or heraldic/vexillological description.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american eagle”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american eagle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american eagle”
- Capitalising incorrectly: 'I love american eagle clothes.' (Brand should be capitalised: American Eagle).
- Using 'American eagle' to refer to any eagle seen in America, not specifically the bald eagle.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In precise usage, 'American eagle' refers specifically to the Bald Eagle. Other eagle species in the Americas have different names (e.g., Golden Eagle).
The bald eagle was chosen in 1782 for the Great Seal of the United States for its long life, great strength, and majestic looks, symbolising freedom and sovereignty.
When referring to the brand 'American Eagle Outfitters', it is always capitalised as a proper noun. When referring to the bird in a general sense, it is not (e.g., 'an American eagle').
Yes, but usually in specific contexts relating to the United States—its politics, nature documentaries, or as a known American brand—rather than in everyday domestic conversation.
A large bird of prey native to North America, specifically the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), the national bird and symbol of the United States.
American eagle is usually neutral to formal (for the bird/symbol). informal/commercial (for the brand). in register.
American eagle: in British English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ɪ.kən ˈiː.ɡəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ɪ.kən ˈiː.ɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spread your wings like the American eagle (rare, metaphorical for ambition)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the US flag, but instead of stars, there's an eagle. America's emblem = American Eagle.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE NATION IS A POWERFUL BIRD (soaring, dominant, free).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'American Eagle' a proper noun?