continental

[kon-tn-en-tl]

adjective

1. of or of the nature of a continent.

2. (usually initial capital letter),  of or relating to the mainland of Europe, to Europeans, or to European customs and attitudes.

3. (initial capital letter),  of or relating to the 13 original American colonies during and immediately after the American Revolution.

4. of or relating to the continent of North America.

noun

1. (initial capital letter),  a soldier of the Continental Army in the American Revolution.

2. a piece of paper currency issued by the Continental Congress during the American Revolution.

3. a small amount.

   advice that's not worth a continental.

4. an inhabitant of a continent.

5. (usually initial capital letter),  an inhabitant of the mainland of Europe.

Continental

/ ˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

adjective

1. of or characteristic of Europe, excluding the British Isles

2. of or relating to the 13 original British North American colonies during and immediately after the War of American Independence

noun

1. (sometimes not capital) an inhabitant of Europe, excluding the British Isles

2. a regular soldier of the rebel army during the War of American Independence

3. history a currency note issued by the Continental Congress

Other Word Forms

• continentally adverb
• noncontinental adjective
• precontinental adjective
• Continentalism noun
• Continentalist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of continental¹

First recorded in 1750–60; continent + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The Louisiana Purchase enabled Americans to imagine continental ambitions as a reality.

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In an interview with i-D magazine, he explained that he avoided scheduling stops in the continental U.S. on his latest tour due to fears that Immigration and Customs Enforcement could raid the venues.

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Its introduction comes amid reports, external that between 50 and 60 athletes who went through male puberty have been finalists in the female category at global and continental track and field championships since 2000.

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The move comes amid reports, external that between 50 and 60 athletes who went through male puberty have been finalists in the female category at global and continental athletics championships since 2000.

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They normally live in France and continental Europe but have made the trip across the English Channel to settle in Southampton and the New Forest, Prof Wynn said.

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Related Words

• global 
• multicultural