archipelago
Americannoun
plural
archipelagos, archipelagoes-
a large group or chain of islands.
the Malay Archipelago.
-
any large body of water with many islands.
-
the Archipelago, the Aegean Sea.
noun
-
a group of islands
-
a sea studded with islands
-
A large group of islands.
-
A sea, such as the Aegean, or an area in a sea containing a large number of scattered islands.
Other Word Forms
- archipelagian adjective
- archipelagic adjective
Etymology
Origin of archipelago
1495–1505; alteration ( archi- for arci- ) of Italian arcipelago, alteration of Egeopelago the Aegean Sea < Greek Aigaîon pélagos
Explanation
Now here's a word, archipelago, that is super-specific: it means a group of many islands. Wouldn't it be great to build your dream house in the Galapagos archipelago? It seems that archipelago came from the Italian Arciplago, the name for the Aegean Sea, which is full of many many islands. Somehow that became the word for any sea that is chock-full of islands. You can also use archipelago to indicate some other grouping that involves neither islands nor water but is similar to them. Your little sister might create an archipelago of Lego buildings on your living room carpet.
Vocabulary lists containing archipelago
Play by the Rules: Arch
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Language Gone Wrong: Words That Started Out as Errors
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Physical Geography - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice recommended that Britain hand the archipelago to Mauritius.
From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026
In February, UK health officials warned Britons over travel to the West African archipelago following reports of stomach bugs.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
The Maldives opposes Mauritian control of the Chagos Islands and argues it has historical claims to the archipelago dating back centuries.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
Like most jeepneys, Princess runs on diesel, the cost of which has hit historic highs in the archipelago nation since the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026
They peered over the bridge and saw the Antarctic archipelago at their feet, craned their necks and saw a giant metal star overhead.
From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
