Marshall Islands

American  

plural noun

1. a group of 34 atolls in the western central Pacific Ocean: formerly a part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; since 1986 a self-governing area associated with the United States. 70 square miles (181 square kilometers).

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Marshall Islands British  

/ ˈmɑːʃəl /

plural noun

1. a republic, consisting of a group of 34 coral islands in the W central Pacific: formerly part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (1947–87); status of free association with the US from 1986; consists of two parallel chains, Ralik and Ratak. Official languages: Marshallese and English. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: US dollar. Capital: Delap-Uliga-Djarrit, on Majuro atoll. Pop: 69 747 (2013 est). Area: (land) 181 sq km (70 sq miles); (lagoon) 11 655 sq km (4500 sq miles)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Marshallese
  noun

Example Sentences

The tanker, which is under EU and US sanctions, has flown the flags of Madagascar, the Marshall Islands and Panama.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Many tankers currently carry the flags of countries such as Panama and the Marshall Islands, which have not secured assurances of safe passage, Maniatis said.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Hughes pointed to the impact of the United States' 15-megaton Bravo test at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands on March 1, 1954 -- "equivalent to 1,000 Hiroshima bombs -- an absolute monstrosity".

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Micronesia and the other two freely associated states, the Marshall Islands and Palau, are technically independent but have negotiated their own compacts with the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

But on March I, 1954, a thermonuclear weapons test at Bikini in the Marshall Islands detonated at higher yield than expected.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan