isle

[ ahyl ]

noun

1. a small island.
2. any island.

verb (used with object)

, isled, isl·ing.

1. to make into or as if into an isle.
2. to place on or as if on an isle.

isle

/ aɪl /

noun

1. an island, esp a small one: used in literature and (when cap.) in place names

Other Words From

• isleless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of isle¹

1250–1300; Middle English i ( s ) le < Old French < Latin īnsula

Word History and Origins

Origin of isle¹

C13: from Old French isle, from Latin insula island

Example Sentences

Other religions across the Western isles include Catholic, particularly in the southern isles including Barra, and there is a mosque in Stornoway.

From BBC

Throughout this time the volcanic isle’s sprawling shoreline and rolling hills have served as a crucial military training ground where U.S. troops detonate grenades and fire heavy artillery.

From Los Angeles Times

But scenes believed to have been filmed in the middle of the protected dunes on the isle of S'Espalmador in Formentera have raised concern.

From BBC

An "extremely lucky" kayaker was rescued by a passing fishing boat after getting swept out to sea off the isle of Barra.

From BBC

Aside from this one tiny population in England that scientists are trying to secure, the only other corncrakes in Britain are found on the Scottish isles.

From BBC

Related Words

• archipelago
• enclave
• islet
• peninsula
• reef