Galápagos Islands

American  

[guh-lah-puh-gohs, gah-lah-pah-gaws] / gəˈlɑ pəˌgoʊs, gɑˈlɑ pɑˌgɔs /

plural noun

1. an archipelago on the equator in the Pacific, about 600 miles (965 km) W of and belonging to Ecuador: many unique species of animal life. 3,029 sq. mi. (7,845 sq. km).

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Galápagos Islands British  

/ ɡəˈlæpəɡəs, ɡaˈlapaɣɔs /

plural noun

1. Official Spanish name: Archipiélago de Colón.  a group of 15 islands in the Pacific west of Ecuador, of which they form a province: discovered (1535) by the Spanish; main settlement on San Cristóbal. Pop: 18 640 (2001). Area: 7844 sq km (3028 sq miles)

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Galápagos Islands Cultural  

1. Groups of islands in the Pacific Ocean off South America, owned by Ecuador.

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Discover More

Charles Darwin visited these islands and gathered evidence that supported his theory of natural selection.

The islands are known for their tortoises, penguins, marine iguanas, and other unusual animals.

Example Sentences

A comparable pattern can be seen in Darwin's finches on the Galápagos Islands, which adapted to different food sources over time.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2026

The couple’s travels included Singapore, Dubai, the Galápagos Islands and other faraway places Steve’s job took him to.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 17, 2024

If you’ve never been to the Galápagos Islands, you might be picturing lush rainforest or emerald-green isles of vegetation.

From National Geographic • Feb. 15, 2024

These dignified-looking and endangered penguins, which are native to the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador, are vulnerable because of how microplastics accumulate in the Galápagos Islands food web.

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2024

It has 1200 miles of Pacific coast, and an area of about two hundred thousand square miles, including the Galápagos Islands.

From The Andes and the Amazon Across the Continent of South America by Orton, James