Bahamas

American  

[buh-hah-muhz, -hey-] / bəˈhɑ məz, -ˈheɪ- /

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) a group of islands in the W Atlantic Ocean, SE of Florida.

2. (used with a singular verb) an independent country comprising this group: formerly a British colony; gained independence 1973. 4,404 sq. mi. (11,406 sq. km). Nassau.

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Bahamas British  

/ bəˈhɑːməz /

plural noun

1. a group of over 700 coral islands (about 20 of which are inhabited) in the Caribbean: a British colony from 1783 until 1964; an independent nation within the Commonwealth from 1973. Language: English. Currency: Bahamian dollar. Capital: Nassau. Pop: 319 031 (2013 est). Area: 13 939 sq km (5381 sq miles)

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Bahamas Cultural  

1. Republic in the Atlantic Ocean, consisting of 700 islands and islets and 2,400 smaller islands, called cays.

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Discover More

The Bahamas were under the control of Britain until 1973, when they became an independent, self-governing state.

The Bahamas are a popular winter resort.

Other Word Forms

• Bahamian noun

Example Sentences

The Royal Bahamas Police Force did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

"U.S. counterparts, volunteers, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force are assisting with this," the Royal Bahamas Police Force told CBS News in a statement.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

It’s now offered in clinics in Mexico, the Bahamas, Panama, and Honduras.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

However, some Gulf Coast shippers have devised a nifty Jones Act work-around that involves a circuitous route through the Bahamas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

I had been to Jamaica and the Bahamas, and to Europe a few times, but this was my first time being this far from home.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama