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

See Examples For:

Maldives

Despite eye rolls over gimmicks like “hydration breaks” and tickets that cost more than Maldives vacations, the 2026 North American World Cup had proven to be a historic, moneymaking smash.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

Italian divers who died in the Maldives may have taken the wrong tunnel in a cave and died in a dead-end corridor, the head of the company that recovered their bodies told AFP Thursday.

From Barron's ● May 21, 2026

The bodies of four Italian divers who went missing during a scuba diving accident in the Maldives last week have been located, officials have confirmed to the BBC.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

The Maldives military has described the operation as very high risk, with unfavourable weather conditions.

From BBC ● May 16, 2026

I received the postcard from the Maldives last week.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller