English: Meaning and Definition of

Eng•lish

1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of England or its inhabitants, institutions, etc.
2. belonging or pertaining to, or spoken or written in, the English language.

1. the people of England collectively, esp. as distinguished from the Scots, Welsh, and Irish.
2. the Germanic language of the British Isles, widespread and standard also in the U.S. and most of the British Commonwealth, historically termed Old English (c450–c1150), Middle English (c1150–c1475), and Modern English (after c1475). Abbr.: E
3. English language, composition, and literature as offered as a course of study in school.
4. a specific variety of this language, as that of a particular time, place, or person: American English; Shakespearean English.
5. simple, straightforward language: What does all that jargon mean in English?
6. (sometimes l.c.)
1. a spinning motion imparted to a ball, esp. in billiards.
2. Seebody English.
7. a 14-point type of a size between pica and Columbian.
8. a grade of calendered paper having a smooth matte finish.

1. to translate into English: to English Euripides.
2. to adopt (a foreign word) into English; Anglicize.
3. (sometimes l.c.)to impart English to (a ball).