american samoa: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Geographical, Political, News
Quick answer
What does “american samoa” mean?
An unincorporated territory of the United States, consisting of a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An unincorporated territory of the United States, consisting of a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Refers to the geographical entity, its government, culture, or people. Can also be used metonymically for its administrative or athletic representation (e.g., in the Olympics).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. British English may more frequently precede it with 'the territory of' for explicit clarity, but this is not a rule.
Connotations
Neutral geographical/political designation in both varieties. Implies a US territorial connection.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to domestic political relevance.
Grammar
How to Use “american samoa” in a Sentence
[be/lie] in American Samoa[travel/flight] to American Samoa[come/be] from American Samoa[government/team] of American SamoaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american samoa” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The American Samoan delegation arrived in London.
- We studied American Samoan culture.
American English
- The American Samoan governor issued a statement.
- She holds an American Samoan passport.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of Pacific trade, shipping, or tourism.
Academic
Used in geography, political science, anthropology, and Pacific studies.
Everyday
Used in travel discussions, news about US territories, or international sports.
Technical
Used in meteorological reports, maritime charts, and political/administrative documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american samoa”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american samoa”
- Using a plural verb for the territory (e.g., 'American Samoa are' - incorrect; it's singular 'American Samoa is').
- Misspelling as 'American Samoaa' or 'American Samoah'.
- Confusing it with 'Samoa' (the independent country).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an unincorporated, unorganized territory of the United States.
American Samoans are US nationals and are issued US passports, though the passport note specifies they are nationals, not citizens, affecting some rights.
The capital is Pago Pago, located on the island of Tutuila.
Samoan and English are both official languages.
An unincorporated territory of the United States, consisting of a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
American samoa is usually formal, geographical, political, news in register.
American samoa: in British English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ɪ.kən səˈməʊ.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ɪ.kən səˈmoʊ.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'America' + 'Samoa' = the part of Samoa that is politically American.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PLACE IS A POSSESSION (America's Samoa).
Practice
Quiz
What is the political status of American Samoa?