Europe

American  

[yoor-uhp, yur-, yoo-roh-pee, yuh-] / ˈyʊər əp, ˈyɜr-, yʊˈroʊ pi, yə- /

noun

1. a continent in the western part of the landmass lying between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, separated from Asia by the Ural Mountains on the east and the Caucasus Mountains and the Black and Caspian Seas on the southeast. In British usage, Europe sometimes contrasts with England. About 4,017,000 square miles (10,404,000 square kilometers).

2. Classical Mythology. Europa.

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Europe British  

/ ˈjʊərəp /

noun

1. the second smallest continent, forming the W extension of Eurasia: the border with Asia runs from the Urals to the Caspian and the Black Sea. The coastline is generally extremely indented and there are several peninsulas (notably Scandinavia, Italy, and Iberia) and offshore islands (including the British Isles and Iceland). It contains a series of great mountain systems in the south (Pyrenees, Alps, Apennines, Carpathians, Caucasus), a large central plain, and a N region of lakes and mountains in Scandinavia. Pop: 724 722 000 (2005 est). Area: about 10 400 000 sq km (4 000 000 sq miles)

2. the continent of Europe except for the British Isles

   we're going to Europe for our holiday

3. the European Union

   when did Britain go into Europe?

4. a type of dinghy, designed to be sailed by one person

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Europe Cultural  

1. Continent that is actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia.

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Other Word Forms

• anti-Europe adjective
• pro-Europe adjective

Example Sentences

U.S. bases in Germany, with 35,000 servicemembers, are critical for operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

The massive 65-date Unraveled Tour, spanning North America and Europe, will kick off Sept. 25 in Hartford, Conn., and will hit Los Angeles in January 2027.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Some carriers in Europe have already reduced flights over increased costs and warnings of low fuel supply.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Silvernail also cited progress on plans to split its North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa units into two standalone companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

The poor chap peddled it around Europe, passing out pamphlets at conventions.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin