British and American English Vocabulary Differences (PDF)

In this post you will find British and American English vocabulary differences. There are many words in English that have different meanings or uses in American English and British English. In our list you will find some of word differences between them. This vocabulary list is especially created for ESL students and teachers. For example a British person plays football while an American person plays soccer. There are many vocabulary differences between American and British English. It’s always a good idea to be aware of these word differences when communicating with people from different English-speaking countries!

British and American English Word Differences

British EnglishAmerican English
FlatApartment
BiscuitCookie
BootTrunk (of a car)
ChipsFrench fries
CoachBus
GasGasoline
PantsTrousers
TapFaucet
LiftElevator
SilverwareFlatware
FootballSoccer
JamJelly
LorryTruck
DrugsMedicine
Mr.Mister
PavementSidewalk
TimetableSchedule
SneakersTrainers
GarbageTrash
LorryTruck
AubergineEggplant
BangerSausage
BiscuitsCookies
BonnetHood (of a car)
BrollyUmbrella
CaravanTrailer
CarpetRug
Cat’s EyeReflector
ChemistPharmacist
CinemaMovie theater
ChipsPotato chips
CoachTour bus
CrispsChips
Full stopPeriod
GearstickShift
HandbagPurse
HolidaysVacation
JumperSweater
KnifeTable knife
LeadsCords
Lorry driverTruck driver
MathsMathematics
NappyDiaper
PavementSidewalk
PetrolGasoline
PostboxMailbox
PushchairStroller
QueueLine
RoundaboutTraffic circle
RubberEraser
SilencerMuffler
SkirtDress (for a woman)
TorchFlashlight
TyresTires