the American dream
noun phrase
variants
or the American Dream
: a happy way of living that is thought of by many Americans as something that can be achieved by anyone in the U.S. especially by working hard and becoming successful
With good jobs, a nice house, two children, and plenty of money, they believed they were living the American dream.
Examples of the American dream in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
My hope is that each and every American and everyone who resides in our great country will all get the same level of freedom and opportunities, and everyone can have a chance at the American dream.
—
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
Renee Torbitt Coady Photography Thoroughbred runner Hit Show is a shining example of the American dream and as the United States celebrates its 250thbirthday, this striking gray race horse continues to chase greatness in the sport of kings.
—
Danny Brewer,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Homeownership has helped millions of Americans achieve the American dream.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
The father longed for his son to one day live the American dream.
—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for the American dream
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.
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
Renee Torbitt Coady Photography Thoroughbred runner Hit Show is a shining example of the American dream and as the United States celebrates its 250thbirthday, this striking gray race horse continues to chase greatness in the sport of kings.
—
Danny Brewer,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Homeownership has helped millions of Americans achieve the American dream.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
The father longed for his son to one day live the American dream.
—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for the American dream
Cite this Entry
“The American dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20American%20dream. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
