Iceland

[ ahys-luhnd ]

/ ˈaɪs lənd /

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noun

a large island in the northern Atlantic between Greenland and Scandinavia. 39,698 square miles (102,820 square kilometers).

a republic including this island and several smaller islands: formerly Danish; independent since 1944. Capital: Reykjavik.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

OTHER WORDS FROM Iceland

Ice·land·er

[ahys-lan-der, -luhn-der], /ˈaɪsˌlæn dər, -lən dər/, noun

Words nearby Iceland

icehouse, ice island, ice jam, icekhana, Icel., Iceland, Iceland agate, Icelander, Icelandic, Iceland moss, Iceland poppy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Iceland in a sentence

To give an example, one of the proxy-based studies, published last year, uses sediment collected from the seafloor to the south of Iceland, and the microscopic organisms it contains, to detect a shifting of water types over time.
Scientists see stronger evidence of slowing Atlantic Ocean circulation, an ‘Achilles’ heel’ of the climate|Chris Mooney, Andrew Freedman|February 25, 2021|Washington Post
Few places on Earth are as hot as the Krafla caldera in Iceland, an enormous volcanic crater where magma was discovered at surprisingly shallow depths.
Drilling molten rock to learn its secrets|Katie McLean|February 24, 2021|MIT Technology Review
“We do not have to worry about this virus variant and we should not ban people from flying from the UK or other countries,” Kári Stefánsson, CEO of DeCode Genetics, told Iceland’s RÚV News Agency.
Don’t panic about the latest coronavirus mutations, say drug companies|David Rotman|December 23, 2020|MIT Technology Review
I might even pick up some needles and try making my own with one of the kits and patterns sold online by knitters from Ireland to Iceland — ideal for creating peaceful moments in a stressful time.
Sweater weather transports this writer to places like Scotland, Ireland and Norway|Karen Gardiner|December 17, 2020|Washington Post

Then, a decade ago, on a river in northern Iceland, he got trapped beneath a waterfall and nearly drowned, washing up half a mile downstream.
This Film Will Make You Rethink Every Parental Decision|Ryan Van Bibber|October 26, 2020|Outside Online
Nowadays Iceland and its Nordic neighbours are more trendy than ever.
Want to Write a Book? Go to Iceland|Adam LeBor|May 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The landscape here, like all of Iceland, has a primeval majesty.
Want to Write a Book? Go to Iceland|Adam LeBor|May 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Iceland has more writers and publishes more books per capita than any other country in the world.
Want to Write a Book? Go to Iceland|Adam LeBor|May 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“For us in Iceland this is not a very interesting question,” President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson says.
Want to Write a Book? Go to Iceland|Adam LeBor|May 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
From the wild weather to the harsh landscape, Iceland has its fair share of mystifying phenomena.
The Elf Whisperer of Iceland|Kevin Fallon|May 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Great eruption of the Scaptar Jokul, in Iceland, commenced, and continued several days (see 18th).
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
Now King Harald bade a warlock betake him to Iceland in one or other guise, that he might bring him back tidings of the country.
The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald The Tyrant (Harald Haardraade)|Snorri Sturluson
Thangbrand abode three winters in Iceland, and was the slayer of three men or ever he departed thence.
The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald The Tyrant (Harald Haardraade)|Snorri Sturluson
Now the King lent an ear to these speeches, and all the men of Iceland who were there were baptized.
The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald The Tyrant (Harald Haardraade)|Snorri Sturluson
The sons of many mighty men of Iceland are here present, & their fathers will, we trow, lend their aid in this matter.
The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald The Tyrant (Harald Haardraade)|Snorri Sturluson

British Dictionary definitions for Iceland

Iceland

/ (ˈaɪslənd) /

noun

an island republic in the N Atlantic, regarded as part of Europe: settled by Norsemen, who established a legislative assembly in 930; under Danish rule (1380–1918); gained independence in 1918 and became a republic in 1944; contains large areas of glaciers, snowfields, and lava beds with many volcanoes and hot springs (the chief source of domestic heat); inhabited chiefly along the SW coast. The economy is based largely on fishing and tourism. Official language: Icelandic. Official religion: Evangelical Lutheran. Currency: króna. Capital: Reykjavik. Pop: 315 281 (2013 est). Area: 102 828 sq km (39 702 sq miles)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for Iceland

Iceland

Island republic in the north Atlantic Ocean, just south of the Arctic Circle, west of Norway and southeast of Greenland. Its capital and largest city is Reykjavik.

notes for Iceland

Iceland proclaimed its independence from Denmark in 1944.

notes for Iceland

It is a member of NATO.

notes for Iceland

A unique combination of glaciers and plate tectonics has resulted in an unusual land surface, dominated by a rugged coastline, hot springs, geysers, and volcanoes.