Guernsey

American  

[gurn-zee] / ˈgɜrn zi /

noun

Guernseys plural

1. Isle of, one of the Channel Islands, in the English Channel. With adjacent islands, about 24½ sq. mi. (63 sq. km).

2. one of a breed of dairy cattle, raised originally on the Isle of Guernsey, producing rich, golden-tinted milk.

3. (lowercase) a close-fitting knitted woolen shirt worn by sailors and soccer or Rugby players.

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Guernsey British  

/ ˈɡɜːnzɪ /

noun

1. an island in the English Channel: the second largest of the Channel Islands, which, with Alderney and Sark, Herm, Jethou, and some islets, forms the bailiwick of Guernsey; finance, market gardening, dairy farming, and tourism. Capital: St Peter Port. Pop: 65 605 (2013). Area: 63 sq km (24.5 sq miles)

2. a breed of dairy cattle producing rich creamy milk, originating from the island of Guernsey

3. (sometimes not capital) a seaman's knitted woollen sweater

4. (not capital) a sleeveless woollen shirt or jumper worn by a football player

5. to be selected or gain recognition for something

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• Guernseys
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Guernsey

1825–35, Guernsey for def. 2

Example Sentences

A food bank in Guernsey says its stock has run "extremely low" and it is seeing two or three new clients each week.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

She later learned she had been a victim of Kirk Bishop, whose crimes she had first seen reported in a social media post by Guernsey Police the previous month.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Snowdon said: "We normally follow the fuel duty increases the States of Guernsey do. However, the States of Alderney could, if minded to do so, set a lower fuel duty."

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Alderney Electricity is the main wholesaler for the island's fuel, which is shipped from the UK via Guernsey.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Somebody told me that Bram Guernsey was in the Green Berets, though I tend to think this is untrue.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt