Maldives

American  

[mawl-deevz, mal-dahyvz] / ˈmɔl divz, ˈmæl daɪvz /

noun

1. a republic in the Indian Ocean, SW of India, consisting of about 2000 islands: British protectorate 1887–1965. 115 sq. mi. (298 sq. km). Male.

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Maldives British  

/ ˈmɔːlˈdiːvz /

plural noun

1. Also known as: the Maldive Islands.  a republic occupying an archipelago of 1087 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka: came under British protection in 1887; became independent in 1965 and a republic in 1968; a member of the Commonwealth. The economy and infrastructure were severely damaged in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. Official language: Divehi. Official religion: (Sunni) Muslim. Currency: rufiyaa. Capital: Malé. Pop: 393 988 (2013 est). Area: 298 sq km (115 sq miles)

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Other Word Forms

• Maldivian adjective

Example Sentences

The Maldives and Nepal are rationing the supply of liquefied petroleum gas—popular for cooking—urging households to switch to electric stoves.

From The Wall Street Journal

They vacationed together in the Maldives, some of the people familiar with his operations said.

From The Wall Street Journal

More than 65 P-12s are currently on order, from customers in Mumbai, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Thailand and Berlin, with further orders expected to be confirmed shortly.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the Maldives, fishing has sustained its population for centuries.

From Salon

Andrea Pendrey and her partner were on holiday in the Maldives before she was due to begin treatment for breast cancer.

From BBC