Great Britain

American  

noun

1. an island of NW Europe, separated from the mainland by the English Channel and the North Sea: since 1707 the name has applied politically to England, Scotland, and Wales. 88,139 sq. mi. (228,280 sq. km).

---

Great Britain British  

noun

1. England, Wales, and Scotland including those adjacent islands governed from the mainland (i.e. excluding the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands). The United Kingdom of Great Britain was formed by the Act of Union (1707), although the term Great Britain had been in use since 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England (including Wales). Later unions created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1801) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1922). Pop: 57 851 100 (2003 est). Area: 229 523 sq km (88 619 sq miles) See also United Kingdom

---

Compare meaning

How does great-britain compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Great Britain vs. United Kingdom
• England vs. Great Britain
• Britain vs. Great Britain

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Great Britain

Edinburgh native Kerr has won medals representing Great Britain at both the Olympics - picking up bronze in 2020 and silver in 2024 - and World Championships, having taken gold in 2023.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

They are responsible for ensuring policy decisions are put into action and are ultimately responsible for all civil servants in Great Britain.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

Great Britain have confirmed a team of 22 athletes for the championship, including Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

In 1951 Great Britain, still reeling from World War II, attempted to boost morale with a fair promoting the nation’s accomplishments and innovations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

The South African government had powerful allies in Great Britain and the United States who were content to maintain the status quo.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela