# USA

/ˌjuˌɛˈseɪ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the country

noun · CEFR A1

Stands for United States of America. This is the most common short name for the country.

For teachers: Abbreviation for United States of America. Used as a proper noun to refer to the federal republic in North America.

- The USA is one of the largest countries in the world by land area.
- Diplomatic relations between the USA and its neighbours have evolved significantly over the last century due to shifting trade agreements.

Usage: Always used with the definite article 'the' when functioning as a noun.

Teaching tip: While 'the US' is more common in news headlines, 'the USA' is frequently used in international contexts and sports.

### 2. the military branch

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

Stands for United States Army. This is the branch of the military that fights on land.

For teachers: Abbreviation for United States Army. This initialism is used within military and government contexts to specify the land-based branch of the armed forces.

- He joined the USA after finishing college to serve his country.
- The USA logistical command coordinated the transport of supplies across the desert during the training exercise.

Usage: Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'USA personnel'.

Teaching tip: In general conversation, people usually just say 'the Army'. This specific initialism is more common in official documents or on uniforms.

### 3. legal official

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

Stands for United States Attorney. This is a lawyer who represents the government in court.

For teachers: Abbreviation for United States Attorney. Refers to the chief federal law enforcement officer in a specific judicial district.

- The USA announced that they would investigate the company for fraud.
- The USA for the Southern District of New York led the prosecution in the high-profile financial crime case.

Usage: Usually refers to the office or the individual holding the position.

Teaching tip: This is a very specific legal term; learners are more likely to encounter 'prosecutor' in everyday news.

## Examples

- She is traveling to the USA for her summer vacation.
- Many international students choose to study at universities in the USA to improve their career prospects.
- The geopolitical influence of the USA remains a central theme in modern diplomatic history, particularly regarding its role in international trade and security alliances.

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