Bahamas

American  

[buh-hah-muhz, -hey-] / bəˈhɑ məz, -ˈheɪ- /

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) a group of islands in the W Atlantic Ocean, SE of Florida.

2. (used with a singular verb) an independent country comprising this group: formerly a British colony; gained independence 1973. 4,404 sq. mi. (11,406 sq. km). Nassau.

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Bahamas British  

/ bəˈhɑːməz /

plural noun

1. a group of over 700 coral islands (about 20 of which are inhabited) in the Caribbean: a British colony from 1783 until 1964; an independent nation within the Commonwealth from 1973. Language: English. Currency: Bahamian dollar. Capital: Nassau. Pop: 319 031 (2013 est). Area: 13 939 sq km (5381 sq miles)

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Bahamas Cultural  

1. Republic in the Atlantic Ocean, consisting of 700 islands and islets and 2,400 smaller islands, called cays.

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The Bahamas were under the control of Britain until 1973, when they became an independent, self-governing state.

The Bahamas are a popular winter resort.

Other Word Forms

• Bahamian noun

Example Sentences

Ayton was recognized for his philanthropic work across the Bahamas, which is his home country, Jamaica and Los Angeles through the Ayton Family Foundation.

From Los Angeles Times

Island states Bahamas also changed their position and Antigua and Barbuda, who agreed in April, abstained.

From BBC

He decided to leave China—through Hong Kong, traveling first to Ecuador, then the Bahamas, where he bought a boat and sailed without sailing experience toward Florida.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bora, a Mediterranean restaurant, got a new coat of paint after the ship docked in the Bahamas.

From The Wall Street Journal

US emergency response teams have also been sent this week to Caribbean locations including Jamaica, Haiti and the Bahamas.

From Barron's