Channel Islands

American  

[chan-l ahy-luhndz] / ˈtʃæn l ˈaɪ ləndz /

plural noun

1. a British island group in the English Channel, near the coast of France, consisting of Alderney, Guernsey, Jersey, and smaller islands. 76 square miles (198 square kilometers).

2. an island group off southern California’s Pacific coast, along the channel just south of Santa Barbara: an eight-island archipelago used for U.S. military training and testing, and noted for numerous endemic species and ecological diversity. 351 square miles (909 square kilometers).

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Channel Islands British  

plural noun

1. a group of islands in the English Channel, off the NW coast of France, consisting of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Brechou or Brecqhou, Sark, Herm, Jethou, and Lihou (all between them representing the United Kingdom Crown Dependencies of the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey) - the only part of the duchy of Normandy remaining to Britain - and the Roches Douvres and the Îles Chausey (which belong to France). Pop: 149 878 (2001). Area: 194 sq km (75 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

The sea lion breeding and pupping season is fast approaching at main rookeries such as the Channel Islands, according to Giancarlo Rulli, associate director of public relations for the Marine Mammal Center.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

A recent rattlesnake bite near the campus of Cal State Channel Islands has heightened concerns about an increase in snake encounters in Ventura County this year.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

One of the Channel Islands, Jersey is part of the British Isles but sets its own laws.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Women in the Channel Islands who've suffered severe menopause symptoms have said there isn't enough support available.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

It is found from time to time in various parts of the country, breeding in Kent, Sussex and the Channel Islands, but is most abundant on the shores of the Mediterranean.

From British Birds in their Haunts by Johns, Rev. C. A.