Crete

American  

[kreet] / krit /

noun

1. Formerly Candia.  a Greek island in the Mediterranean, southeast of mainland Greece. 3,235 sq. mi. (8,380 sq. km). Canea.

2. Sea of Crete, a part of the south Aegean Sea lying between the Cyclades Islands and Crete.

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Crete British  

/ kriːt /

noun

1. Modern Greek name: Kríti.  a mountainous island in the E Mediterranean, the largest island of Greece: of archaeological importance for the ruins of Minoan civilization. Pop: 601 131 (2001). Area: 8331 sq km (3216 sq miles)

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Crete Cultural  

1. Island in southeastern Greece in the Mediterranean Sea.

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Discover More

One of the world's earliest civilizations, the Minoan civilization, reached its peak in Crete in 1600 b.c.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands.

In Greek mythology, Crete was Minos's kingdom, where the Minotaur lived at the center of the Labyrinth.

Example Sentences

Last month, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

All the other activists were taken to Crete and freed.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Turkey's foreign ministry said some 20 Turkish nationals in the flotilla who had been detained and taken to Crete would be repatriated.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

It might just as well be written in Latin, or Linear A — the still-undeciphered language of ancient Crete — for all its relevance.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

As the two flew lightly and without effort away from Crete the delight of this new and wonderful power went to the boy’s head.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton