island

American  

[ahy-luhnd] / ˈaɪ lənd /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make into an island.

2. to dot with islands.

3. to place on an island; isolate.

island British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to cause to become an island

2. to intersperse with islands

3. to place on an island; insulate; isolate

island Scientific  

/ ī′lənd /

1. A land mass, especially one smaller than a continent, entirely surrounded by water.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• islandless
  adjective
• islandish
  adjective
• island-like
  adjective
• islandlike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of island

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

Explanation

An island is a piece of land that is surrounded on all sides by water. Some islands are so small that a beach chair and umbrella barely fit on them and some are big enough to contain a whole nation. To get to an island you must take a boat, bridge or airplane — be a strong swimmer. If you can get there by land it’s not an island, though it may be a peninsula, like Florida. There are many famous islands, like Manhattan and the islands of Hawaii. Things that are free-standing can also be called islands, like the island made of cabinets and a counter that is found in some kitchens — it's not connected to anything else.

Example Sentences

The charity has said it will work with the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick to deliver a conservation plan for both Bass Rock and Craigleith Island.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Alongside calling for the cancellation of the Zvernec project, protesters also want the scrapping of laws that have allowed the government to fast-track projects -- such as Kushner's other development on nearby Sazan Island.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

“This is an issue that arouses real passion,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner, a half-Jewish Rhode Island congressman navigating the same post-Oct. 7th currents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Before that, as a kid, she was a softball infielder in Long Island and then at the University of Chicago.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

In 1859, a message found by a search party on King William Island stated that both the Erebus and the Terror were trapped in ice in late 1846 and remained so for about eighteen months.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

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