1. the language of England, widely used in many varieties throughout the world.
2. the people of England.
3. spin given to a ball, especially in pool or billiards:North American"put more English on the ball"
Word OriginOld EnglishEnglisc (see Angle, -ish1). The word originally denoted the early Germanic settlers of Britain (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes), or their language (now called Old English).