# Anglo

/ˈæŋɡɫoʊ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anglo
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. English-speaking person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person who speaks English as their first language, especially in a place like Canada where French is also spoken.

For teachers: a person whose primary language is English; frequently used in Quebec and other multilingual regions to distinguish from francophones.

- In Montreal, many Anglos are bilingual and speak both English and French fluently.
- The demographic shift in the province has led to new debates regarding the cultural representation of Anglos in local government.

Usage: Often used as a clipping of 'anglophone' in Canadian contexts.

### 2. person of English descent

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · American English · Dialect

a person of English or British family background, often used in the US or Australia.

For teachers: an individual of English or British ancestry, particularly within a non-British society.

- The neighborhood was a mix of Latino and Anglo families living side by side.
- Sociologists studied the integration patterns of Anglo immigrants compared to those from other European nations during the nineteenth century.

Teaching tip: In the Southwestern US, this term can sometimes be perceived as offensive or exclusionary depending on the speaker's intent; learners should use it with caution.

### 3. musical instrument

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a small musical instrument similar to an accordion, often used in folk music.

For teachers: a specific type of concertina that produces different notes on the press and draw of the bellows.

- He played a traditional Irish tune on his old anglo.
- The musician preferred the anglo concertina for its rhythmic capabilities in fast-paced dance music.

Usage: Usually written in lowercase in this musical context.

## Examples

- The neighborhood is a mix of Hispanic and Anglo families.
- In many parts of the Southwest, local businesses provide signs in both Spanish and English to serve both the Latino and Anglo communities.
- Sociologists studying the border regions often examine how Anglo and Hispanic cultural norms have blended over decades of close proximity and shared economic interests.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.