Java

[ jah-vuh jav-uh ]

noun

1. the main island of Indonesia. 51,032 sq. mi. (132,173 sq. km).
2. (usually lowercase) Slang. coffee:

   a cup of java.

Trademark.

1. Digital Technology. a brand name for a high-level, object-oriented programming language used primarily to build web-based applications.

Java

¹

/ ˈdʒɑːvə /

noun

1. a programming language especially applicable to the Internet

Java

²

/ ˈdʒɑːvə /

noun

1. an island of Indonesia, south of Borneo, from which it is separated by the Java Sea : politically the most important island of Indonesia; it consists chiefly of active volcanic mountains and is densely forested. It came under Dutch control in 1596 and became part of Indonesia in 1949. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Capital: Jakarta. Pop (with Madura): 121 352 608 (2000 est). Area: 132 174 sq km (51 032 sq miles) Former spellingDjawa

Java

1. Island in Indonesia , south of Borneo .

Notes

Java is one of the world's most densely populated regions.

It was under Dutch rule from 1619 to 1949.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Java¹

1550–60; of obscure origin; possibly from Sanskrit yāvadvīpa, yāvaka dvīpa “barley island” (the island was well known for the barley plant)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Java¹

C20: named after Java coffee, said to be consumed in large quantities by the language's creators

Example Sentences

Looking at it, one wonders: Is this sculpture distinctive because volcanoes in central Java are spiritual sites, so molten material thrown up from deep within the earth inflects the art’s intended meaning?

From Los Angeles Times

Java was a hat-maker and designer, skills she incorporated into her own ensembles.

From Los Angeles Times

In Java, the Indonesian birthplace of oncom, oncom leftovers are used much like seeds to grow a new batch of the alternative protein — a process similar to using sourdough starter to make bread.

From Salon

Prabowo will kick off his administration with a three-day retreat at a military academy in central Java for his ministers and their deputies.

From BBC

And so in 2019, the country’s president announced a bold plan to carve a new capital out of the rainforest 800 miles away across the Java Sea.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caffeine
• cappuccino
• espresso