Definition of western

The origin of the word "western" is believed to date back to the 16th century, when Europe began to explore and colonize the Americas. The term originally referred to the western extremity of the New World, specifically the region that is now the United States and Canada. Initially, "western" was used to describe the lands that were being settled by European colonizers, particularly the English, French, and Spanish. Over time, the term took on a broader meaning, encompassing not only the physical geography of the region but also its cultural and economic characteristics. In the 19th century, the term "Western" became closely associated with the United States, particularly with the expansion of the country westward. Today, the term is often used to describe the cultural and stylistic trends that originated in the American West, such as Western music, Western movies, and Western fashion.