ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ of or relating to or characteristic of England or its culture or people English history the English landed aristocracy English literature of or relating to the English language the discipline that studies the English language and literature an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries (sports) the spin given to a ball by striking it on one side or releasing it with a sharp twist the people of England