Marquesas Islands

American  

[mahr-key-zuhz, -suhz, -suhs] / mɑrˈkeɪ zəz, -səz, -səs /

plural noun

1. a group of French islands in the S Pacific. 480 sq. mi. (1,245 sq. km).

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Marquesas Islands British  

/ mɑːˈkeɪsæs /

plural noun

1. French name: Îles Marquises.  a group of volcanic islands in the S Pacific, in French Polynesia. Pop: 8712 (2002). Area: 1287 sq km (497 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

In French Polynesia, officials raised predicted wave heights for Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands to 4m, with smaller waves of just under a metre expected on surrounding islands.

From BBC • Jul. 30, 2025

The territory has one bright spot: Nuku Hiva, in the Marquesas Islands, where French Polynesia’s vaccination campaign began in January and 85% of the population is fully vaccinated.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2021

Or which nation Hiva Oa, one of the main islands in the Marquesas Islands, belongs to?

From New York Times • May 11, 2015

That home was in the Marquesas Islands, where he moved in 1901.

From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2011

The Marquesas Islands lay before us, dull spots of dark rock upon the gray water.

From White Shadows in the South Seas by O'Brien, Frederick