This American and British English Wordlist A to Z helps learners recognize the vocabulary differences quickly. Use it as a handy reference while reading, writing, or preparing for exams like IELTS and TOEFL.
English connects people across the world. It comes in different flavors depending on where you are. Over time, speakers developed their own vocabulary and spellings that reflect their culture and history.
American and British English are the two most widely used varieties of this language. Also, each has its own set of words for everyday things—from travel to food and from school to clothing.
American and British English Wordlist A to Z
A – C Wordlist
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| Airplane | Aeroplane |
| Apartment | Flat |
| Attorney | Barrister/Solicitor |
| Candy | Sweets |
| Center | Centre |
| Check | Cheque |
| Color | Colour |
| Cookie | Biscuit |
| Corn | Maize |
| Curb | Kerb |
| Cell phone | Mobile phone |
| Closet | Wardrobe |
| Counterclockwise | Anticlockwise |
| Cough drop | Throat sweet |
| Cup of coffee (to-go) | Takeaway coffee |
D – F Wordlist
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| Diaper | Nappy |
| Downtown | City centre |
| Drugstore | Chemist |
| Dumpster | Skip |
| Elevator | Lift |
| Eraser | Rubber |
| Fall | Autumn |
| Faucet | Tap |
| Flashlight | Torch |
| Fries | Chips |
| Frying pan | Frying pan |
| French fries | Chips |
| Freeway | Motorway |
| Fuel tank | Petrol tank |
| Favorite | Favourite |
G–L Wordlist
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| Garbage | Rubbish |
| Gasoline | Petrol |
| Grocery store | Corner shop |
| Hood (car) | Bonnet |
| Highway | Motorway |
| Line | Queue |
| Mailbox | Letterbox |
| Math | Math |
| Movie | Film |
| Muffler | Silencer |
| Mailman | Postman |
| Meter | Metre |
| License plate | Number plate |
| Lawyer | Solicitor |
| Jewelry | Jewellery |
M–R Wordlist
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| Mom | Mum |
| Movie theater | Cinema |
| One-way | Single track |
| Overpass | Flyover |
| Overalls | Dungarees |
| Parking lot | Car park |
| Pants | Trousers |
| Potato chips | Crisps |
| Raincoat | Mackintosh |
| Railroad | Railway |
| Resume | CV |
| Round trip | Return ticket |
| Restroom | Toilet / Loo |
| Real estate | Property |
| Recess | Break time |
S–Z Wordlist
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| Sidewalk | Pavement |
| Soccer | Football |
| Sneakers | Trainers |
| Stroller | Pram |
| Store | Shop |
| Trash | Rubbish |
| Truck | Lorry |
| Trunk (car) | Boot |
| Vacation | Holiday |
| Vest | Waistcoat |
| Windshield | Windscreen |
| Yard | Garden |
| Zucchini | Courgette |
| Zip code | Postcode |
| Zero | Nought |
Common Spelling Differences between American vs British English
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| Color | Colour |
| Honor | Honour |
| Organize | Organise |
| Realize | Realise |
| Theater | Theatre |
| Traveler | Traveller |
| Check | Cheque |
| Defense | Defence |
| Program | Programme |
| Meter | Metre |
| Center | Centre |
| Tire | Tyre |
| Gray | Grey |
| Catalog | Catalogue |
| Aluminum | Aluminium |
How to Remember These Word Differences
Learning the vocabulary differences between American and British English becomes easier when you use the language in real-life situations. Here are some effective ways to remember and practice:
1. Read and Listen to Both Versions
Expose yourself to both dialects through newspapers, podcasts, and shows.
- Try The New York Times or BBC News for reading practice.
- Watch Friends for American expressions and The Crown for British ones.
2. Keep a Personal Vocabulary Notebook
Write down new words in two columns—American and British—just like in this list. Review it weekly and test yourself.
3. Practice Through Context
Use each version naturally in sentences. For example, if you are watching a UK movie, try repeating the dialogue using the same vocabulary.
4. Watch Subtitled Content
Turn on subtitles to notice spelling and usage differences while improving listening and pronunciation skills.
5. Use Flashcards or Apps
Apps like Quizlet, Memrise, or Vocabulary.com let you create digital flashcards comparing word pairs such as apartment–flat or truck–lorry.
Downloadable Wordlist PDF
Download the “American and British English Wordlist A–Z” PDF to study anytime and share with classmates or students.
FAQs about American and British English Wordlist A to Z
1. What are the main differences between American and British English?
They differ mainly in vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, and certain grammar usages. For example, Americans say “truck,” while the British say “lorry.”
2. How can I remember whether a word is British or American?
Read both versions frequently and note word pairs in a notebook. Consistent exposure will help you memorize patterns naturally.
3. Are both spellings correct in exams?
Yes, both are correct. The important part is to stay consistent throughout your writing.
4. What are some common spelling differences?
Examples include color/colour, organize/organize, theater/theatre, and gray/grey.
Conclusion
Both American and British English share the same foundation, but their differences make the language richer and more interesting. Whether you write “color” or “colour” or say “elevator” or “lift,” you’re still communicating in global English.
What matters most is consistency and understanding your audience. Choose one version for formal writing, but feel free to enjoy learning both styles in everyday communication.
“Language is not about right or wrong — it’s about connection and clarity.”