island

[ ahy-luhnd ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to make into an island.
2. to dot with islands.
3. to place on an island; isolate.

island

/ 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 insular

verb

1. to cause to become an island
2. to intersperse with islands
3. to place on an island; insulate; isolate

island

/ ī′lənd /

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

Derived Forms

• ˈisland-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• island·ish island·like adjective
• island·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of island¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of island¹

Old English īgland, from īg island + land ; s inserted through influence of isle

Example Sentences

The Associated Press reported that Kennedy traveled to the island nation in June 2019 and met with anti-vaccine activists before a severe outbreak that killed 83, mostly infants and children.

From Los Angeles Times

Her young children received no formal education on the island for the first six months there so, as a trained teacher, Shanthi began giving English lessons to the children in the camp.

From BBC

Colorful auroras appeared around Japan's Honshu and Hokkaido islands on May 11, 2024, sparked by an intense magnetic storm.

From Science Daily

The whole island is affected by the second highest level of weather warning.

From BBC

But Pasolini has chosen to set the movie on the island of Ithaca during the time of Odysseus, even if there is a certain modernity to the style and storytelling.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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