Differences Between British and American English

English words spelled differently

British English and American English don’t always use the same spelling. The differences are numerous.

• Words ending in “re” in British English end in “er” in the United States. The World Trade Center in New York is a prime example. The same applies to “metre,” which becomes “meter.” If you want to catch a musical on Broadway, you’ll go to a “theater,” whereas in London you’d go to a “theatre.”
• Words ending in “our” in British English drop the “u” in the United States, becoming “or.” “Colour” becomes “color.”
• Words ending in “ence” in British English change the “c” to “s” in American English. The UK has a minister of “Defence,” while the US has a minister of “Defense.” The difference is inaudible when spoken.
• Similarly, words ending in “se” in British English are spelled with a “z” at the end in the US. “Analyse” becomes “analyze.”

Completely different words

Beyond spelling differences, some words are completely different between British and American English. If you’re traveling to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, or New York, using American terms will help you communicate more easily.
The best example is the restroom. In the UK, people say “toilets.” That term is outdated in the US—if you ask for the “toilets,” locals will know you’re from abroad. Use “bathroom” or “restrooms” instead. Here are other words that differ across the Atlantic:

• Restaurant bill: “bill” in the UK, “check” in the US.
• Apartment: “flat” in the UK, “apartment” in the US.
• Elevator: “lift” in the UK, “elevator” in the US.
• Eggplant: “aubergine” in the UK, “eggplant” in the US.
• Highway: “motorway” in the UK, “highway” in the US.
• Luggage: “luggage” in the UK, “baggage” in the US.
• Sneakers: “trainers” in the UK, “sneakers” in the US.
• Banknote: “note” in the UK, “bill” in the US.
• Cookie: “biscuit” in the UK, “cookie” in the US.
• Store: “shop” in the UK, “store” in the US.
• Can: “tin” in the UK, “can” in the US.
• Truck: “lorry” in the UK, “truck” in the US.
• Trailer: “caravan” in the UK, “trailer” in the US.
• Downtown: “city centre” in the UK, “downtown” in the US.
• Railroad: “railway” in the UK, “railroad” in the US.
• Movie theater: “cinema” in the UK, “movie theater” in the US.
• Diaper: “nappy” in the UK, “diaper” in the US. Useful to know if you’re traveling to New York with young children.
• Zucchini: “courgette” in the UK, “zucchini” in the US.
• Dessert: “sweet” in the UK, “dessert” in the US.
• Gasoline: “petrol” in the UK, “gas” in the US. A gas station is a “petrol station” in the UK and a “gas station” in the US.
• Mail carrier: “postman” in the UK, “mailman” in the US.
• Movie: “film” in the UK, “movie” in the US.
• French fries: “chips” in the UK, “French fries” in the US. What we call chips are “crisps” in the UK and “chips” in the US.
• Eraser: “eraser” in the UK, “rubber” in the US.
• Flashlight: “torch” in the UK, “flashlight” in the US.
• Crib: “cot” in the UK, “crib” in the US.
• Mom: “mum” in the UK, “mom” in the US.
• Subway: “underground” in the UK, “subway” in the US.
• Motorcycle: “motorbike” in the UK, “motorcycle” in the US.
• Pants: “trousers” in the UK, “pants” in the US.
• Parking lot: “car park” in the UK, “parking lot” in the US.
• Crosswalk: “pedestrian crossing” in the UK, “crosswalk” in the US.
• Garbage can: “bin” in the UK, “garbage can” in the US.
• Ground floor: “first floor” in the UK, “ground floor” in the US.
• Faucet: “tap” in the UK, “faucet” in the US.
• Purse: “handbag” in the UK, “purse” in the US.
• Cab: “taxi” in the UK, “cab” in the US.
• Pacifier: “dummy” in the UK, “pacifier” in the US.
• Streetcar: “tram” in the UK, “streetcar” in the US.
• Sidewalk: “pavement” in the UK, “sidewalk” in the US.
• Vacation: “holiday” in the UK, “vacation” in the US.

Learn more

• Want to dive deeper into English? Read my article on 10 English words that don’t mean what you think.
• Planning your next trip to New York or elsewhere in the US? Check out the 20 essential English words to know. Good luck!