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

Taiwan is celebrating the latest winner of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ Nymphia Wind, after she called the island a country.

From Los Angeles Times

Or Peter Thiel's "seasteading" dream of an island nation where he and his buddies could be lordlings, carefully separated from the ordinary people who frighten them.

From Salon

Nassau County, on Long Island, voted for a Republican for president for the first time in decades; Orange County, California, also voted red for the first time since 2012.

From Slate

Small island nations like the Solomon Islands are extremely vulnerable to climate change.

From BBC

A current favorite bit involves being on the Island of Misfit Toys with “some seriously jacked-up dolls missing pretty crucial parts.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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