Great Britain

American  

noun

1. an island of NW Europe, separated from the mainland by the English Channel and the North Sea: since 1707 the name has applied politically to England, Scotland, and Wales. 88,139 sq. mi. (228,280 sq. km).

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Great Britain British  

noun

1. England, Wales, and Scotland including those adjacent islands governed from the mainland (i.e. excluding the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands). The United Kingdom of Great Britain was formed by the Act of Union (1707), although the term Great Britain had been in use since 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England (including Wales). Later unions created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1801) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1922). Pop: 57 851 100 (2003 est). Area: 229 523 sq km (88 619 sq miles) See also United Kingdom

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Compare meaning

How does great-britain compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Great Britain vs. United Kingdom
• England vs. Great Britain
• Britain vs. Great Britain

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Great Britain

Edinburgh native Kerr has won medals representing Great Britain at both the Olympics - picking up bronze in 2020 and silver in 2024 - and World Championships, having taken gold in 2023.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

In 1951 Great Britain, still reeling from World War II, attempted to boost morale with a fair promoting the nation’s accomplishments and innovations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

Great Britain also secured a team gold, beating Italy and Spain to the top of the podium as Natasha Wilson finished fifth and Rose Harvey 14th.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

Abbie Donnelly wins the bronze medal in the women's marathon, with Great Britain also winning a gold medal in the team event, on the final day of the 2026 European Championships in Birmingham.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

The most dangerous game, and one that could save Great Britain and even the world.

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