mexican war: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Historical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “mexican war” mean?
The war between the United States and Mexico (1846–1848).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The war between the United States and Mexico (1846–1848).
A specific historical conflict resulting in significant territorial changes in North America, primarily the cession of vast Mexican territories to the United States, which is a major topic in 19th-century American and Mexican history.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is a historical event of foreign interest. In American English, it is a pivotal, foundational national event with direct implications for national expansion and identity. Sometimes called the 'Mexican–American War' more formally, especially in US academic contexts.
Connotations
For Americans, it can evoke Manifest Destiny, expansion, and national growth; for Mexicans and some historians, it evokes territorial loss and US imperialism. British usage is generally neutral and detached.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English due to its centrality in US history curriculum. Less common in general British discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “mexican war” in a Sentence
The Mexican War [verbed]...[Subject] fought in the Mexican War.The treaty that ended the Mexican War...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mexican war” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The region was annexed following the Mexican War.
American English
- The US militarily prevailed in the Mexican War.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- Mexican-War-era politics were complex.
American English
- He was a Mexican War veteran.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Extensively used in history, political science, and American studies departments to discuss 19th-century imperialism, border formation, and national identity.
Everyday
Used primarily in educational contexts or historical discussions. Not part of daily conversation.
Technical
Used in historical scholarship, military history, and diplomatic history with precise dates, causes, and consequences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mexican war”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mexican war”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mexican war”
- Using 'Mexican War' uncapitalised to mean any war involving Mexico (incorrect for the historical event).
- Confusing it with the 'Spanish–American War' (1898).
- Misspelling as 'Mexico War'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Mexican War was fought from 1846 to 1848.
The United States defeated Mexico.
Mexico ceded a vast territory (including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of other states) to the United States via the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
The name 'Mexican-American War' is more precise, identifying both belligerents, and is often preferred in formal academic and diplomatic contexts to avoid ambiguity.
The war between the United States and Mexico (1846–1848).
Mexican war is usually historical / academic in register.
Mexican war: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛk.sɪ.kən wɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛk.sɪ.kən wɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly from this term. It is itself a historical referent.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MEXICO + US flags crossed in war; the date 1846 is like '18-forty-SIX' and the war lasted for 'TWO' years (until 1848).
Conceptual Metaphor
A WAR IS A GAME OF TERRITORY (acquisition/loss).
Practice
Quiz
What is another common name for the Mexican War?