Crete

American  

[kreet] / krit /

noun

1. Formerly Candia.  a Greek island in the Mediterranean, southeast of mainland Greece. 3,235 sq. mi. (8,380 sq. km). Canea.

2. Sea of Crete, a part of the south Aegean Sea lying between the Cyclades Islands and Crete.

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Crete British  

/ kriːt /

noun

1. Modern Greek name: Kríti.  a mountainous island in the E Mediterranean, the largest island of Greece: of archaeological importance for the ruins of Minoan civilization. Pop: 601 131 (2001). Area: 8331 sq km (3216 sq miles)

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Crete Cultural  

1. Island in southeastern Greece in the Mediterranean Sea.

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One of the world's earliest civilizations, the Minoan civilization, reached its peak in Crete in 1600 b.c.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands.

In Greek mythology, Crete was Minos's kingdom, where the Minotaur lived at the center of the Labyrinth.

Example Sentences

All the detained activists have disembarked in Crete, apart from two men who are being brought to Israel "for questioning", according to the Israeli government.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

The group - men and women of various nationalities, including some Greeks and Australians - is being transported by naval vessel to the southern coast of Crete, where they are expected to arrive at Atherinolakkos.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

It might just as well be written in Latin, or Linear A — the still-undeciphered language of ancient Crete — for all its relevance.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

According to Greek authorities, approximately 80 percent of subsidies for pastures granted from 2017 to 2020 ended up in Crete.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

When the young victims arrived in Crete they were paraded before the inhabitants on their way to the Labyrinth.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton