British

The word British has several different uses. See the article on Britain for more details on the development and use of the word Britain.

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• In a geographical context, it usually applies to a person or object from, or the people or nation of ("the British") the United Kingdom – specifically those residing on the island of Great Britain – although, confusingly, the term "British Isles" is commonly used to include also the island of Ireland. The term "Briton" also describes a British citizen (a citizen of Great Britain or Northern Ireland). Sometimes British applies to an area or territory currently or formerly governed by or a dependent territory of the United Kingdom, for example the British Virgin Islands, the British Indian Ocean Territory, or British Columbia which is now a province of Canada.
• In a political context it applies to a person or object ("the British") from, or the people or nation of:
• 1707 to 1801 – United Kingdom of Great Britain
• 1801 to 1922 – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
• 1922 to date – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• People from the British Commonwealth.
• In an historical context, it refers to a territory of the British Empire, or a dependent territory of the United Kingdom (see above).
• In an ethnological context, it refers to the Brythonic people who once inhabited much of the island now known as Great Britain, and a person of British nationality and/or descent whether resident in the United Kingdom or abroad.
 
British: Origins ►