atoll

[ at-awl, -ol, -ohl, uh-tawl, uh-tol, uh-tohl ]

noun

1. a ring-shaped coral reef or a string of closely spaced small coral islands, enclosing or nearly enclosing a shallow lagoon.

atoll

/ əˈtɒl; ˈætɒl /

noun

1. a circular coral reef or string of coral islands surrounding a lagoon

Word History and Origins

Origin of atoll¹

First recorded in 1615–25; earlier atollon, from French: a word used in early descriptions of the Maldive Island atolls; said to be Divehi ( Indo-Aryan language of the Maldives) atoḷu

Word History and Origins

Origin of atoll¹

C17: from atollon, native name in the Maldive Islands

Example Sentences

This includes the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia, used by the US government as a highly-secretive military base for its warships and long-range bombers.

From BBC

This includes the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia, used by the US government as a military base for its navy ships and long-range bomber aircraft.

From BBC

At the time, the British government had already negotiated a secret deal with the US, agreeing to lease it the largest atoll, Diego Garcia, for use as a military base.

From BBC

Approaching by plane, coconut trees and thick foliage are visible across the 44 sq km footprint-shaped atoll, the greenery punctuated by white military structures.

From BBC

But about Tetiaroa — the Tahitian atoll of his childhood yearnings, and the refuge of his adult life — he did.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• isle
• reef