Uncle Sam

noun

Un·​cle Sam ˌəŋ-kəl-ˈsam How to pronounce Uncle Sam (audio)
1
: the U.S. government
2
: the American nation or people

Examples of Uncle Sam in a Sentence

Uncle Sam wants you to join the Army!
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Orland Park’s Terry Lynch, portraying Ben Franklin, and Tinley Park’s Dave Fleming, as Uncle Sam on stilts, join the festivities Tuesday in Frankfort for the Discover Trail Relay 250. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 The image was of Uncle Sam, rolling up his sleeves and wading in to do the right things. — Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 Uncle Sam faces also new competition on the borrowing front from companies pouring money into artificial intelligence infrastructure. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 Uncle Sam allows insurers to deny necessary procedures to their beneficiaries. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Uncle Sam

Word History

Etymology

expansion of U.S., abbreviation of United States

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Uncle Sam was in 1803

Rhymes for Uncle Sam

See All Rhymes for Uncle Sam

Browse Nearby Words

unclench
Uncle Sam
uncleship
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncle Sam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Uncle%20Sam. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Uncle Sam

noun
Un·​cle Sam ˌəŋ-kəl-ˈsam How to pronounce Uncle Sam (audio)
1
: the U.S. government thought of or represented as a person
2
: the American nation or people

More from Merriam-Webster on Uncle Sam

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Uncle Sam

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