English

Proper noun

The American South as defined by the United States Census Bureau.

American South

1. An expansive region encompassing the southeastern and south-central part of the United States, typically defined as including the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia.

Usage notes

The term American South is defined more by shared culture and history than strict geography. Although located in the extreme south of the United States, southern California, New Mexico, and Arizona are not considered part of it. In contrast, Virginia and West Virginia, though located in the middle of the east coast, are considered part of it.

Synonyms

• Dixie (informal), Southern United States, the South