continental

[kon-tn-en-tl]

adjective

1. of or of the nature of a continent.

2. (usually initial capital letter),  of or relating to the mainland of Europe, to Europeans, or to European customs and attitudes.

3. (initial capital letter),  of or relating to the 13 original American colonies during and immediately after the American Revolution.

4. of or relating to the continent of North America.

noun

1. (initial capital letter),  a soldier of the Continental Army in the American Revolution.

2. a piece of paper currency issued by the Continental Congress during the American Revolution.

3. a small amount.

   advice that's not worth a continental.

4. an inhabitant of a continent.

5. (usually initial capital letter),  an inhabitant of the mainland of Europe.

Continental

/ ˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

adjective

1. of or characteristic of Europe, excluding the British Isles

2. of or relating to the 13 original British North American colonies during and immediately after the War of American Independence

noun

1. (sometimes not capital) an inhabitant of Europe, excluding the British Isles

2. a regular soldier of the rebel army during the War of American Independence

3. history a currency note issued by the Continental Congress

Other Word Forms

• continentally adverb
• noncontinental adjective
• precontinental adjective
• Continentalism noun
• Continentalist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of continental¹

First recorded in 1750–60; continent + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Its introduction comes amid reports, external that between 50 and 60 athletes who went through male puberty have been finalists in the female category at global and continental track and field championships since 2000.

From BBC

The move comes amid reports, external that between 50 and 60 athletes who went through male puberty have been finalists in the female category at global and continental athletics championships since 2000.

From BBC

They normally live in France and continental Europe but have made the trip across the English Channel to settle in Southampton and the New Forest, Prof Wynn said.

From BBC

Both laws stress wider economic benefits but the older Scottish law is also guided by an EU directive to treat continental firms on an equal footing.

From BBC

As Sitka spruce is the main tree used for timber in the UK, Dr Blake and his colleagues watched developments on continental Europe with some serious concern.

From BBC

Related Words

• global 
• multicultural