British and American English vocabulary differences

The most common vocabulary differences between British and American English

British and American English vocabulary Differences

The most common vocabulary differences between American and British English with sample sentences that you need to know.

Anyone learning English needs to know the main differences between American and British English VOCABULARY. Here, you will not only know the different words that mean the same thing or refer to the same things in American ( US ) and British ( UK ) English, but also most importantly you can see how each word is used in a sentence in both versions of English, which this can be really useful for you, especially when you need to use it in your real English communication.

In general, the Americans and the British have many vocabulary similarities. However, they also have some certain differences in vocabulary. Nevertheless, for the most part, the speakers of American and British English won't have much trouble at all understanding one another.

Here are 25 of the most common vocabulary differences between US and UK English along with the example sentences that American and British English speakers often use in their real-life communication on a daily basis:

Vocabulary differences between American and British English

First of all, you need to be familiar with the terms "AmE" and "BrE". "AmE" is the short form of American English, while" BrE" is short for British English.

1. Soccer ( AmE ) vs Football ( BrE )

Definition: a sport played between two teams of eleven players, where each team tries to win by scoring goals.

Soccer and football are the two well-known words that refer to the same sport. And to say this kind of game, the Americans use "soccer", while the British use "football" instead.

Here are just a few sentences with the words "soccer" and "football" used in sentences in American and British English that you can also refer to when it comes to real English speaking:

I'm a big soccer fan. ( AmE )
I'm a big football fan. ( BrE )

He's watching a soccer game on TV. ( AmE )
He's watching a football match on TV. ( BrE )

There's a soccer game on TV tonight. ( AmE )
Are you going to watch it?

There's a football match on TV tonight. ( AmE )
Are you going to watch it? ( BrE )

Note that in American English, it is more usual to say " a football game. While in British English, people say " a football match".

2. Vacation ( AmE ) vs Holiday ( BrE )

Definition: a period of time where you are not at school or work, or a period of time spent travelling or relaxing away from home.

Let's see how the word "holiday" and "vacation" are used in these example sentences

I'm on vacation today. ( AmE )
I'm on holiday today. ( BrE )

In the sentence "I'm on holiday or vacation" can mean that you are not at school or work as it is a school holiday or a public holiday, even you're just staying at home. And it's similar to "I'm off school / work today". This sentence can also mean that you are travelling or visiting a place for pleasure.

Where are you going for your vacation(s) next week? ( AmE )
Where are you going for your holiday(s) next week? ( BrE )

This question is used to ask where someone is going to spend their holiday. And it's similar to "Where are you going to spend your holiday or vacation?"

I'm going to Japan for my vacation. ( AmE )
I'm going to Japan for my holiday. ( BrE )

This sentence means that you are going to Japan to spend your holidays.

I'm going to Japan on vacation. ( AmE )
I'm going to Japan on holiday. ( BrE )

It's a bit different from the previous one. If you use "on" instead of "for", this means that your purpose or reason of going to Japan is to have fun or for pleasure.

What did you do for your last vacation? (AmE)
What did you do for your last holiday? (BrE )

This question means what you did to spend your vacation.

I just stayed home for my vacation. ( AmE ) (= I was just at home for the vacation.)
I just stayed home for my holiday. ( BrE ) (= I was just at home for the holiday.)

It means that you spent your vacation / holiday staying home not going away.

I visited my relative for my vacation. (AmE)
I visited my relative for my holiday. ( BrE )

This is used when you mean you spent your holiday visiting your relative.

I went to an amusement park for my vacation. ( AmE )
I went to an amusement park for my holiday. ( BrE )

And this sentence also means that you spent your holiday visiting an amusement park.

Where did you go for your vacations last month? ( AmE )
Where did you go for your holidays last month? ( BrE )

When did you come back from vacation? ( AmE )
When did you come back from holiday? ( BrE )

"How was your vacation?" "It was a lot of fun." ( AmE )
"How was your holiday?" "It was a lot of fun." ( BrE )

Have a nice vacation. Take care of yourself! ( AmE )
Have a nice holiday. Take care of yourself! ( BrE )

3. Apartment ( AmE ) vs Flat ( BrE )

The vocabulary words number 3 are apartment and flat. Apartment is American English, whereas flat is British English. Apartment or flat means a usually rented room or set of rooms that is part of a building and is used as a place to live.

Example sentences:

I live in an apartment. ( AmE )
I live in a flat. ( BrE )

They have an apartment in London. (AmE )
They have a flat in London. ( BrE )

My apartment is on the second floor. ( AmE )
My flat is on the second floor. ( BrE )

He's renting an apartment. ( AmE )
He's renting a flat. ( BrE )

This means that "He's living in a rented apartment / flat.

Do you live in an apartment or a house? ( AmE )
Do you live in a flat or a house? ( BrE )

4. Elevator ( AmE ) vs Lift ( BrE )

Elevator or lift is a device like a box that moves up and down, used for carrying people or things from one floor of a building to another.

Example sentences:

You can take the elevator to his office. ( AmE )
You can take the lift to his office. ( BrE )

The elevator isn't working, so you'll have to take the stairs instead. ( AmE )
The lift isn't working, so you'll have to take the stairs instead. ( BrE )

Some people got stuck in the elevator. ( AmE )
Some people got stuck in the lift. ( BrE )

My son is scared to go in elevators. ( AmE
My son is scared to go in lifts. ( BrE )

5. College ( AmE ) vs University ( BrE )

In the US and UK, college and university refer to the same thing which mean a place where people study for an undergraduate ( = first ) degree.

Example sentences:

John is hoping to go to college next year. ( AmE
John is hoping to go to university next year. ( BrE )

He is a college student. ( AmE )
He is a university student. ( BrE )

Which college do you go to? ( AmE )
Which university do you go to? ( BrE )

This question is the same as " Which college / university are you studying at?".

Which college are you studying at? ( AmE )
Which university are you studying at? ( BrE )

I am studying at Michigan College. ( AmE )
I am studying at Oxford University. ( BrE )

My sister is at college. ( AmE )
My sister is at university. ( BrE )

Note that in both American and British English, college is also a place where you can go to study after leaving secondary school. In the US, you can study for the first degree at a college, while a university offers more advanced degrees in addition to first degrees.

He is a college graduate. ( AmE )
He is a university graduate. ( BrE )

If someone is a college or university graduate, it means he / she has a university degree as he /she has completed his / her university / college studies.

She graduated from college in 2019. ( AmE )
She graduated from university in 2019. ( BrE )

It's the same as "She's a 2019 college graduate / She's a 2019 university graduate."

6. Movie ( AmE ) vs Film ( BrE )

Meaning : a series of moving pictures shown in a cinema or on television and often telling a story.

Example sentences:

What's your favourite movie? ( AmE )
My favourite movie is Casablanca. ( AmE )

What's your favourite film? ( BrE )
My favourite film is Casablanca. ( BrE )

There's a good movie on TV tonight. Are you going to watch it? ( AmE )
There's a good film on TV tonight. Are you going to watch it? ( BrE )

He's watching a movie now. ( AmE )
He's watching a film now. ( BrE )

Would you like to go and see a movie tonight? ( AmE )
Would you like to go and see a film tonight? ( BrE )

I hate people talking when I'm watching a movie. ( AmE )
I hate people talking when I'm watching a film. ( BrE )

7. The movies / the movie theater ( AmE )

The cinema ( BrE )

Meaning : a building in which movies / films are shown.

Example sentences:

What's on / showing at the movies this week? ( AmE )
What's on / showing at the cinema this week? ( BrE )

Do you want to go to the movies tonight? ( AmE )
Do you want to go to the cinema tonight? ( BrE )

I haven't seen a movie at the movies for nearly 2 years. ( AmE )
I haven't seen a film at the cinema for nearly 2 years. ( BrE )

We're going to the movies tonight. Would you like to join us? ( AmE )
We're going to the cinema tonight. Would you like to join us? ( BrE )

We went to the movies last night. ( AmE )
We went to the cinema last night. ( BrE )

When did you last go to the movies? ( AmE )
When did you last go to the cinema? ( BrE )

I last went to the movies a long time ago. ( AmE )
I last went to the cinema a long time ago. ( BrE )

The town no longer has a movie theatre. ( AmE )
The town no longer has a cinema. ( BrE )

8. Takeout / Carryout: Noun ( AmE )

Takeaway : Noun / Adjective ( BrE )

Takeout is American English, while takeaway is British English, which mean the same thing, that is a meal bought from a shop or restaurant to be eaten somewhere else (usually at home / a certain place).

Example sentences:

It's my mom who makes breakfast, but when she's too tired she orders a takeout. ( AmE )
It's my mom who makes breakfast, but when she's too tired she orders a takeaway. ( BrE )

We're going to have a takeout / carryout for dinner tonight. ( AmE )
We're going to have a takeaway for dinner tonight. ( BrE )

I've ordered takeout / carryout for lunch. ( AmE )
I've ordered takeaway for lunch. ( BrE )

Note: the words "takeaway" and "takeout" / "carryout" used in the sentences above, functioning as a noun and can be countable or uncountable.

Would you like eat-in food or takeout / carryout? ( AmE )
Would you like eat-in or takeaway food? ( BrE )

The words " takeaway" in this sentence is an adjective, so it can come before a noun, whereas the words " takeout and carryout are nouns.

I had a takeout for breakfast this morning. ( AmE )
I had a takeaway for breakfast this morning. ( BrE )

Takeout is less hassle than cooking at home. ( AmE )
Takeaway is less hassle than cooking at home. ( BrE )

9. Take out / Carry out: phrasal verb ( AmE )

Take away : phrasal verb ( BrE )

The Americans say "take out" while the British people use "take away" when they buy food / drinks from a restaurant or shop and eat them somewhere else.

Example sentences:

Would you like your burger to eat in or take out? ( AmE )

Would you like your burger to eat in or take away? ( BrE )

Is this food to eat in or take out? ( AmE )
Is this food to eat in or take away? ( BrE )

Two burgers to take out, please. ( AmE )
Two burgers to take away, please. ( BrE )

I prefer eating food in a restaurant rather than buying it to take out. ( AmE )
I prefer eating food in a restaurant rather than buying it to take away. ( BrE )

10. Cell phone / Cellular phone ( AmE )

Mobile phone ( BrE )

Both cell phone / cellular phone or mobile phone refer to a phone that works by a radio, that you can carry with you and use anywhere.

Example sentences:

What's your cell phone number? ( AmE )
What's your mobile phone number? ( BrE )

You can reach me by email or cell phone. ( AmE )
You can reach me by email or mobile phone. ( BrE )

Everyone can film an event on their cell phones. ( AmE )
Everyone can film an event on their mobile phones. ( BrE )

The use of cellular phones isn't permitted on most aircraft. ( AmE )
The use of mobile phones isn't permitted on most aircraft. ( BrE )

I called his cell phone but there was no answer. ( AmE )
I called his mobile phone but there was no answer. ( BrE )

He called me on my cell phone. ( AmE )
He called me on my mobile phone. ( BrE )

11. Store ( AmE ) vs Shop ( BrE )

The words "store" and "shop" means a place where people go to buy things.

Example sentences:

I'm going to the store -- Do you need anything? ( AmE )
I'm going to the shop -- Do you need anything? ( BrE )

I need to go to the stores -- I've got no food in the house. ( AmE )
I need to go to the shops -- I've got no food in the house. ( BrE )

Experts advise caution when ordering from an online store. ( AmE )
Experts advise caution when ordering from an online shop. ( BrE )

I went to the store but it was closed. ( AmE )
I went to the shop but it was closed. ( BrE )

She applied for a job as a store manager. ( AmE )
She applied for a job as a shop manager. ( BrE )

Most of the stores are open on Sundays. ( AmE )
Most of the shops are open on Sundays. ( BrE )

The products are available in stores and online. ( AmE )
The products are available in shops and online. ( BrE )

That store offers free gift - wrapping. ( AmE )
That shop offers free gift - wrapping. ( BrE )

Note:

In UK English, store refers to a large shop where many different types of goods are sold, but in US English store can mean either a large or a small place where different types of goods are sold, or only one type.

12. Student ( AmE ) vs Pupil ( BrE )

To say someone who is learning at a school, In American English use "student" while it's "pupil" in British English.

Example sentences:

Mike is a sixth-grade student. ( AmE )
Mike is a sixth-grade pupil. ( BrE )

This means the same as " Mike is in the sixth grade / Mike is in grade six."

Students are not allowed to bring their cell phones in to the test. ( AmE )
Pupils are not allowed to bring their mobile phones in to the test. ( BrE )

The school has over 500 students. ( AmE )
The school has over 500 pupils. ( BrE )

My son is a second - year student. ( AmE )
My son is a second - year pupil. ( BrE )

He is an outstanding student. ( AmE )
He is an outstanding pupil. ( BrE )

Students are required to be in school by 7.30am. ( AmE )
Pupils are required to be in school by 7.30am. ( BrE )

School must do more to prepare students for real life. ( AmE )
School must do more to prepare pupils for real life. ( BrE )

Teachers should do more to help student who are struggling. ( AmE )
Teachers should do more to help pupils who are struggling. ( BrE )

Note:

In American English, student can refer to a person who is learning at school, college or university, while in British English, pupil is a person who is learning at a school and student is only one who is learning at college or university. For example:

He is a college / university student. ( AmE / BrE )
She is a graduate student. ( AmE / BrE )

(= She is a college / university graduate.)

She is a student of the University of California. ( AmE / BrE )

13. Principal ( AmE )

Headmaster / Headteacher ( BrE )

To refer to " a male teacher who is in charge of a school", Americans say "principal", but British people use "headmaster" / "head teacher" instead.

Example sentences:

He is a retired principal. ( AmE )
He is a retired headmaster. ( BrE )

The principal of our school often motivates us to get ahead. ( AmE )
The headmaster of our school often motivates us to get ahead. ( BrE )

Note:

In UK English use "principal" to refer to a person in charge of a college or university.

14. Motorcycle ( AmE ) vs Motorbike ( BrE )

Motorcycle (American English) and motorbike (British English) refer to the same thing, that is a two - wheeled vehicle powered by an engine.

Example sentences:

He's just gotten a new motorcycle. ( AmE )
He's just got a new motorbike. ( BrE )

He could ride a motorcycle when he was 12. ( AmE )
He could ride a motorbike when he was 12. ( BrE )

She's learning to ride a motorcycle. ( AmE )
She's learning to ride a motorbike. ( BrE )

John fell off his motorcycle 2 days ago. ( AmE )
John fell off his motorbike 2 days ago. ( BrE )

15. Driver's license ( AmE )

Driving licence ( BrE )

It's a document that allows someone to drive a car or other motor vehicle legally.

Example sentences:

I first got my driver's license when I was 18. ( AmE )
I first got my driving license when I was 18. ( BrE )

Can I see your driver's license please, sir? ( AmE )
Can I see your driving license please, sir? ( BrE )

My driver's license runs out (expires) next month -- I must get it renewed. (AmE )
My driving license runs out (expires) next month -- I must get it renewed. ( BrE )

I'm going to renew my driver's license tomorrow. ( AmE )
I'm going to renew my driving license tomorrow. ( BrE )

My driver's license is valid for another 2 years. ( AmE )
My driving license is valid for another 2 years. ( BrE )

You must have a valid driver's license to drive a car or other vehicle. ( AmE )
You must have a valid driving license to drive a car or other vehicle. ( BrE )

My driver's license is still valid. ( AmE )
My driving license is still valid. ( BrE )

(It hasn't run out / expired)

16. Math ( AmE ) vs Maths ( BrE )

Math is US English, but Maths is UK English. They both refer to a subject in school.

Example sentences:

What did you think of your math test? ( AmE )
What did you think of your maths test? ( BrE )

What grade did you get for the math test? ( AmE )
What grade did you get for the maths test? ( BrE )

Math is the most difficult subject in school. ( AmE )
Maths is the most difficult subject in school. ( BrE )

We have a math lesson on Mondays and Wednesdays. ( AmE )
We have a maths lesson on Mondays and Wednesdays. ( BrE )

The class was struggling to find the solution to a math problem. ( AmE )
The class was struggling to find the solution to a maths problem. ( BrE )

17. Airplane ( AmE ) vs Aeroplane ( BrE)

Airplane (American English) and Aeroplane (British English) mean the same thing. They refer to a vehicle with wings powered with engines and having the ability to fly. However, both American and British English use "plane" here.

Example sentences:

He's never flown in an airplane. ( AmE )
He's never flown in an aeroplane. ( BrE )
He's never flown in a plane. ( AmE / BrE )

The airplane took off an hour late. ( AmE )
The aeroplane took off an hour late. ( BrE
The plane took off an hour late. ( AmE/BrE )

I'm on an airplane at the moment, on my way to Chicago. ( AmE )
I'm on an aeroplane at the moment, on my way to Chicago. ( BrE )
I'm on a plane at the moment, on my way to Chicago. ( AmE / BrE )

The airplane leaves in 20 minutes. ( AmE )
The aeroplane leaves in 20 minutes. ( BrE )
The plane leaves in 20 minutes. ( AmE / BrE )

We'll be boarding the airplane in about 15 minutes. ( AmE )
We'll be boarding the aeroplane in about 15 minutes. ( BrE )
We'll be boarding the plane in about 15 minutes. ( AmE / BrE )

18. Bathroom ( private ), Restroom ( public ): AmE vs. Lavatory ( private ) , Toilet / public convenience ( public ) : BrE

¤ Bathroom ( AmE ) vs. Lavatory ( BrE ): a room with a shower or bath and often a toilet in people's houses.

¤ Restroom ( AmE ) vs. Toilet / public convenience ( BrE ): a room with a toilet in a public place, such as a restaurant, an airport, a gas station, etc.

Example sentences:

The house has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. (private: AmE )
Go and wash your hands in the bathroom. (private: AmE )

He's going to find the restroom. (public: AmE )
If you use the restroom, don't forget to flush the toilet. (public: AmE )

Where's the restroom? (for example, in a restaurant) (public : AmE )
Could you tell me where the toilet is, please? (public: BrE )

There's a lavatory upstairs. (private: BrE )

19. Closet ( AmE ) vs Cupboard ( BrE )

Closet is mainly US English, whereas cupboard is UK English.

Closet or cupboard means a small room with a door, used for storing things, especially clothes.

Example sentences:

I put all the children's playthings in the closet. ( AmE )
I put all the children's playthings in the cupboard. ( BrE )

She has a walk-in closet for all her clothes. ( AmE )
She has a walk-in cupboard for all her clothes. ( BrE )

I picked a shirt from the closet. ( AmE )
I picked a shirt from the cupboard. ( BrE )

20. Eraser ( AmE ) vs Rubber ( BrE )

These two words mean a small piece of rubber used to remove the marks made by a pencil.

Example sentences:

If you write in pencil, you can rub out your mistakes with an eraser. ( AmE )
If you write in pencil, you can rub out your mistakes with a rubber. ( BrE )

May I borrow your eraser, please? ( AmE )
May I borrow your rubber, please? ( BrE )

If you make a mistake, you can rub it out with an eraser or just cross it out. ( AmE )
If you make a mistake, you can rub it out with a rubber or just cross it out. ( BrE )

Note:

Eraser (= whiteboard duster) can mean a piece of soft material used for removing chalk or marker pen marks from a blackboard or whiteboard.

21. Parking lot / Parking garage ( AmE )

Car park ( BrE )

Americans say "parking lot, while British people use "car park" to refer to an open area where cars can be parked.

Example sentences:

I left my car in the mall parking lot. ( AmE )
I left my car in the mall car park. ( BrE )

It's very expensive to use the parking lot in town. ( AmE )
It's very expensive to use the car park in town. ( BrE )

22. Homemaker (AmE) vs Housewife ( BrE )

To say a woman whose work is to manage a home and takes care of the family as her main job, American English speakers say "homemaker', but it's "housewife" in British English.

Example sentences:

My mom is a homemaker. ( AmE )
My mom is a housewife. ( BrE )

She's not the type of person to stay at home and be a homemaker. ( AmE )
She's not the type of person to stay at home and be a housewife. ( BrE )

23. Sick ( AmE ) vs ill ( BrE )

US English uses "sick", but UK English uses "ill" to say that someone is not well or unhealthy.

Example sentences:

He has been off (= not working / studying because of illness) sick for 3 days. ( AmE )
He has been off (= not working / studying because of illness) ill for 3 days. ( BrE )

He called in sick. ( AmE )
He called in ill. ( BrE )

(= Called to say he was sick / ill and not coming to work)

Jack didn't come to school because he was sick. ( AmE )
Jack didn't come to school because he was ill. ( BrE )

24. Crazy ( AmE ) vs Mad ( BrE )

In order to say " extremely silly " or " stupid ", US English uses "crazy", while UK English uses " mad " instead this way. And it's not the one that means " very angry or annoyed " so do not confuse.

Example sentences:

You're crazy to walk home alone at this time of night. ( AmE )
You're mad to walk home alone at this time of night. ( BrE )

I think you're crazy to do such a thing. ( AmE )
I think you're mad to do such a thing. ( BrE )

He must be crazy to keep dangerous and wild animals. ( AmE )
He must be mad to keep dangerous and wild animals. ( BrE )

She must be crazy spending all that money on a handbag. ( AmE )
She must be mad spending all that money on a handbag. ( BrE )

You're crazy to quit your job that pays you a lot of money. ( AmE )
You're mad to quit your job that pays you a lot of money. ( BrE )

You're crazy to buy a house without seeing it first. ( AmE )
You're mad to buy a house without seeing it first. ( BrE )

25. Report card ( AmE )

School report ( BrE )

American English speakers call "report card", while British English uses "school report" to refer to a teacher's written statement to parents about a student's ability and performance at school.

Example sentences:

Jason got three A's and two B's on his report card. ( AmE )
Jason got three A's and two B's on his school report. ( BrE )

She got a better report card this time. ( AmE )
She got a better school report this time. ( BrE )

When are you going to receive your report card? ( AmE )
When are you going to receive your school report? ( BrE )

A: Have you turned in your report card / school report? ( AmE / BrE )
B: Not yet. I'm just going to turn it in tomorrow.

Final point

That was all about the most common and noticeable vocabulary differences between American and British English. We need to know that American and British English have far more similarities than differences. Moreover, most Brits and Americans can understand each other without too much difficulty. And it's indispensable to know both versions of English as an English learner. I hope this can help you improve your English knowledge, especially the vocabulary differences that refer to the same things between US and UK English.

See also:

British and American English grammar

British and American English spelling

British and American English pronunciation

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