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 Word Forms

• 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

But the country is still reeling from the latest one: emergency tariffs imposed on every country in the world, including islands inhabited primarily by penguins.

From Salon

The tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has unveiled its first ever cash machines in a move hailed as momentous by the prime minister.

From BBC

The Americans point to US Marines who occupied the island during World War One as their proof of sovereignty.

From BBC

Civil Guard police raided the couple's home on the island of Majorca after learning that they were owning and breeding rare feline species which they then sold on social media.

From BBC

In fact, some islands are said to import as much as 70% of their consumer goods from their North American neighbour.

From BBC

Related Words

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