floating island

American  

noun

1. a dessert consisting of boiled custard with portions of meringue, whipped cream, or whipped egg whites and sometimes jelly floating upon it or around it.

2. a floating mass of earth and partly decayed vegetation held together by interlacing roots, as on a lake: usually formed by the accumulation of plant litter; sometimes artificially built on wooden platforms, as in Asia.

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floating island British  

noun

1. a floating mass of soil held together by vegetation

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Etymology

Origin of floating island

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, the newsletter world’s floating island of garbage—but a floating island of garbage that fights for you.

From Slate • Nov. 2, 2024

This year, to meet the increasing demand for novelty, he debuted a floating island that looks like a sushi roll, complete with a set of inflatable chopsticks that serve as pool noodles.

From Washington Post • Jul. 8, 2021

Foreign media have not been permitted to visit the island, called Bhashan Char, or floating island.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2020

Best Baker in America The seven remaining contestants make floating island desserts, then host Scott Conant asks them to create a flaming bombe Alaska using mango as the featured flavor.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2019

Standing on a floating island nearby is Max.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu