spanish american: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “spanish american” mean?
Relating to Spanish-speaking countries and peoples of the Americas, or to persons of Spanish descent born or living in the Americas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to Spanish-speaking countries and peoples of the Americas, or to persons of Spanish descent born or living in the Americas.
Pertaining to the culture, history, heritage, or geopolitical sphere influenced by Spanish colonization and language in North, Central, and South America. It can also refer to U.S. citizens of Hispanic heritage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More frequent in US English due to geographical and cultural context. In UK English, it may be used more in historical/academic contexts.
Connotations
In US English, it can have a neutral academic tone or, less formally, be used as a demographic/cultural label. In all contexts, it emphasizes the Spanish linguistic and colonial heritage.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English, especially in regions with significant Hispanic populations and in historical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “spanish american” in a Sentence
[adjective] + [noun] (e.g., Spanish American art)[compound noun] (e.g., a Spanish-American)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spanish american” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The region was extensively Spanish-Americanised during the colonial period.
American English
- The community strives to Spanish-Americanize its local festivals.
adverb
British English
- The dish is prepared Spanish-American style.
American English
- The neighborhood celebrates Spanish-Americanly during the festival.
adjective
British English
- The museum has a superb collection of Spanish-American silver.
American English
- She is a scholar of Spanish American literature.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in market analysis for Spanish-speaking American demographics.
Academic
Common in history, cultural studies, and literature departments.
Everyday
Used in discussing heritage, cultural events, or food.
Technical
Used in linguistics to refer to varieties of Spanish spoken in the Americas.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spanish american”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spanish american”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spanish american”
- Using 'Spanish American' to refer to someone from Spain (incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'Spanish-american' without capital 'A'.
- Confusing with 'Mexican-American' or other specific national-origin groups.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the US context, it often overlaps but is more specific, emphasizing Spanish (not Portuguese) heritage. 'Latino' can include Brazilians. 'Hispanic' can include people from Spain.
Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective before a noun (Spanish-American art). Do not hyphenate when used as a noun (She is a Spanish American).
'Spanish American' refers to people, culture, or things related to Spanish-speaking Americas. 'American Spanish' refers to the varieties of the Spanish language spoken in the Americas.
No. A person from Spain is 'Spanish.' 'Spanish American' implies a connection to the Americas, either through birth, descent, or long-term cultural affiliation.
Relating to Spanish-speaking countries and peoples of the Americas, or to persons of Spanish descent born or living in the Americas.
Spanish american is usually formal to neutral in register.
Spanish american: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspænɪʃ əˈmɛrɪkən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspænɪʃ əˈmɛrɪkən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Spanish' crossed the Atlantic to 'America' = Spanish American.
Conceptual Metaphor
HERITAGE IS A BRIDGE (connecting Spain to the Americas).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is MOST specific to Spanish colonial heritage in the Americas?