american legion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, Institutional, Community
Quick answer
What does “american legion” mean?
A major U.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major U.S. veterans' organization founded in 1919, composed of veterans of the United States armed forces.
Refers to both the national organization and its local chapters, which are community hubs for veterans, providing advocacy, comradeship, and social events, and are often sponsors of community programs like youth baseball.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is specific to the United States and its institutional context. The UK has analogous organizations (e.g., The Royal British Legion), so the phrase itself is rarely used in British contexts unless referring to the US institution.
Connotations
In the US: patriotism, community service, veterans' advocacy, traditional values. In the UK: Recognized as a specific US counterpart to British veterans' groups, with similar general connotations.
Frequency
High frequency in relevant US contexts (news, community bulletins); very low frequency in general UK discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “american legion” in a Sentence
[Subject: Person/Group] + joined/supports/donates to + the American Legion.The American Legion + [Verb: advocates for/hosts/ sponsors] + [Object: cause/event].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american legion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community centre, much like an American Legion hall, hosted the jumble sale.
- He was involved with a group that fulfilled a role analogous to the American Legion.
American English
- The town plans to American Legion the old VFW building for joint events. (rare, creative use)
- Veterans often Legion together on weekends. (informal, verbing of the noun)
adverb
British English
- The meeting was run very Legion-style, with a formal agenda.
- He spoke Legion-loyally about the cause.
American English
- The fundraiser was done American Legion-style, with flags and a colour guard.
- He advocated Legion-strong for the bill.
adjective
British English
- They organised a British Legion-style dinner dance.
- It had an almost Legion-hall feel to it.
American English
- It was a classic American Legion barbecue.
- He has that American Legion commander demeanour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typically used.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or sociological contexts discussing veterans' affairs or US civil society.
Everyday
Used when referring to local community events, fundraising, or a family member's membership.
Technical
Used in official documents related to veterans' benefits, charter organizations, or community planning (e.g., permits for the Legion hall).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american legion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american legion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american legion”
- Incorrect article: 'an American Legion' (it's 'the American Legion').
- Using lowercase: 'american legion'.
- Confusing it with the 'French Foreign Legion'.
- Using it as a common noun: 'He is in an american legion.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a non-governmental, non-profit veterans' organization, though it works closely with government agencies on veterans' issues.
Membership is generally restricted to U.S. military veterans who served during specific periods of conflict or who served honorably during designated eras, as defined by the organization's charter.
Both are major U.S. veterans' organizations. The American Legion is open to veterans from all war eras. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traditionally required service in a foreign conflict or overseas. Their missions and activities are very similar.
A 'Post' is a local chapter of the American Legion, usually numbered (e.g., Post 45). It often refers to both the group of members and the physical building (Legion hall) where they meet.
A major U.
American legion is usually formal, institutional, community in register.
American legion: in British English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ɪ.kən ˈliː.dʒən/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ə.kən ˈliː.dʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Home of the brave (sometimes associated in patriotic rhetoric, not a direct idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'American' heroes form a 'Legion' (a large group) after service.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS A BODY (e.g., 'the Legion voted', 'posts are its branches'). COMMUNITY IS A HOME (e.g., 'the Legion hall').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of the American Legion?