island

[ ahy-luhnd ]

noun

1. a tract of land completely surrounded by water, and not large enough to be called a continent.
2. something resembling an island, especially in being isolated or having little or no direct communication with others.
3. a raised platform with a counter or other work surface on top situated in the middle area of a room, especially a kitchen, so as to permit access from all sides.
4. safety island.
5. a low concrete platform for gasoline pumps at an automotive service station.
6. a clump of woodland in a prairie.
7. an isolated hill.
8. Anatomy. an isolated portion of tissue differing in structure from the surrounding tissue.
9. Railroads. a platform or building between sets of tracks.

verb (used with object)

1. to make into an island.
2. to dot with islands.
3. to place on an island; isolate.

island

/ ˈaɪlənd /

noun

1. a mass of land that is surrounded by water and is smaller than a continent
2. See traffic island
3. anatomy a part, structure, or group of cells distinct in constitution from its immediate surroundings insular

verb

1. to cause to become an island
2. to intersperse with islands
3. to place on an island; insulate; isolate

island

/ ī′lənd /

1. A land mass, especially one smaller than a continent, entirely surrounded by water.

Derived Forms

• ˈisland-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• island·ish island·like adjective
• island·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of island¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English iland, Old English īgland, īland, variant of īegland, from īeg “island” (cognate with Old Norse ey ) + land land; spelling with -s- by association with isle

Word History and Origins

Origin of island¹

Old English īgland, from īg island + land ; s inserted through influence of isle

Example Sentences

Showing a humbleness which motivates others was illustrated off court when, in 2018, he led from the front to help his home island of Mallorca recover from devastating flash flooding.

From BBC

We sent Paul a list of the allegations we wanted him to respond to, and his PR team requested we travel to the Caribbean island, so he could answer in person.

From BBC

The Philippines is made up of around 7,500 islands in the Pacific Ocean.

From NewsForKids.net

Different species of seabirds can coexist on small, isolated islands despite eating the same kind of fish.

From Science Daily

Their findings reveal that establishing islands of trees within large oil palm monocultures can promote the recovery of native tree diversity through natural regeneration.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• archipelago
• enclave
• isle
• islet
• peninsula
• reef