continental United States

American  

[kon-tn-en-tl yoo-nahy-tid steyts] / ˌkɒn tnˈɛn tl yuˈnaɪ tɪd ˈsteɪts /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. an official designation for the 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, that are located on the continent of North America, which does not include the state of Hawaii.

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Etymology

Origin of continental United States

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Although the aurora borealis is typically confined to the northern polar region, Tuesday’s light show could be seen in many parts of the continental United States as a burst of solar energy collided with Earth’s magnetic field, sending supercharged particles cascading through the atmosphere.

From Los Angeles Times

The return of winter has already claimed a life on the tallest mountain in the continental United States, with the death of a hiker on slippery Mt.

From Los Angeles Times

He was the son of Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Delbert Wong, the first Chinese American judge in the continental United States, and Dolores Wong, a psychiatric social worker and leader in the effort to establish a public library in Chinatown.

From Los Angeles Times

The sorts of missiles that would attack the continental United States—ballistic missiles launched from silos or submarines—would fly as far as 6,000 miles at 10 times the speed of sound.

From Slate

A subsequent court order barred the government from removing Mr Abrego Garcia from the continental United States or altering his legal status until 16:00 Wednesday, unless a judge extends the order.

From BBC