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

verb

1. to cause to become an island

2. to intersperse with islands

3. to place on an island; insulate; isolate

island

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

Other Word Forms

• islandish adjective
• islandlike adjective
• islandless adjective
• island-like 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

Authorities in the Bahamas have since lifted hurricane warnings for the central and southern islands, as well as for the Turks and Caicos.

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While Melissa has now cleared Jamaica and is moving towards the Atlantic, there will still be some thunderstorms across the island.

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Those jumping-off points are close to Central American countries and a quick shot to islands in the Caribbean.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar the situation was calm although ferries to the mainland had been suspended, an AFP reporter said.

Read more on Barron's

The day before, she had been hiking on the island with her fellow passengers but was not on the ship when it left hours later.

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Related Words

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