oasis

[ oh-ey-sis ]

noun

, plural o·a·ses [oh-, ey, -seez].

1. a small fertile or green area in a desert region, usually having a spring or well.
2. something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual, annoying, difficult, etc.:

   The library was an oasis of calm in the hectic city.

   Synonyms: shelter, retreat, harbor, haven

oasis

¹

/ əʊˈeɪsɪs /

noun

1. a fertile patch in a desert occurring where the water table approaches or reaches the ground surface
2. a place of peace, safety, or happiness in the midst of trouble or difficulty

Oasis

²

/ əʊˈeɪsɪs /

noun

1. a block of light porous material, used as a base for flower arrangements

oasis

/ ō-ā′sĭs /

, Plural oases ō-ā′sēz

1. A small area in a desert that has a supply of water and is able to support vegetation. An oasis forms when groundwater lies close enough to the surface to form a spring or to be reached by wells.

Other Words From

• o·a·sit·ic [oh-, uh, -, sit, -ik], o·asal o·a·se·an [oh-, ey, -see-, uh, n], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oasis¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin, from Greek óasis, from Egyptian wḥʾt “oasis region”

Word History and Origins

Origin of oasis¹

C17: via Latin from Greek, probably of Egyptian origin

Example Sentences

Oasis, whose reunion tour takes place next summer, have already ruled themselves out.

From BBC

"Oasis are back and Jedward are back!" they declared, before racing over to baffled German and French journalists, while singing Stop Crying Your Heart Out.

From BBC

“It’s a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city,” Willard Beasley said.

From Los Angeles Times

Eventually, we heard whispers of a respite from all the stats, an oasis of peace:

From Salon

The system is similar to the one used for major concerts by Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Oasis.

From BBC

Related Words

• haven
• sanctuary