any artifact (such as books or furniture or art) that is distinctive of America
"The antique shop specializes in americana, selling unique pieces of American history like hand-carved chairs and colonial-era letters."
All things peculiar to the United States' culture and people, anything that is a symbol of American life.
"The cowboy hat became an enduring americana, instantly recognizable as a symbol of rugged American life."
In plain English: An americana is an old-fashioned jacket made of denim, leather, or wool that usually has buttons and pockets on both sides.
"She wore her old americana to help protect herself from dust while working in the garden."
The word americana comes from combining Latin roots meaning "America" with a suffix used to form adjectives or nouns indicating relation. It was first adopted into English as an adjective describing things related to the United States, particularly music and art styles originating there.