island

American  

[ahy-luhnd] / ˈaɪ lənd /

noun

1. a tract of land completely surrounded by water, and not large enough to be called a continent.

2. something resembling an island, especially in being isolated or having little or no direct communication with others.

3. a raised platform with a counter or other work surface on top situated in the middle area of a room, especially a kitchen, so as to permit access from all sides.

4. safety island.

5. a low concrete platform for gasoline pumps at an automotive service station.

6. a clump of woodland in a prairie.

7. an isolated hill.

8. Anatomy. an isolated portion of tissue differing in structure from the surrounding tissue.

9. Railroads. a platform or building between sets of tracks.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to make into an island.

2. to dot with islands.

3. to place on an island; isolate.

island British  

/ ˈaɪlənd /

noun

1. a mass of land that is surrounded by water and is smaller than a continent

2. See traffic island

3. anatomy a part, structure, or group of cells distinct in constitution from its immediate surroundings

---

verb

1. to cause to become an island

2. to intersperse with islands

3. to place on an island; insulate; isolate

island Scientific  

/ ī′lənd /

1. A land mass, especially one smaller than a continent, entirely surrounded by water.

---

Other Word Forms

• island-like adjective
• islandish adjective
• islandless adjective
• islandlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of island

First recorded before 900; Middle English iland, Old English īgland, īland, variant of īegland, from īeg “island” (cognate with Old Norse ey ) + land land; spelling with -s- by association with isle

Example Sentences

According to the National Fire Agency, so far no damage to the island's transport networks has been reported.

From Barron's

A new ranger is being sought for a tiny uninhabited island in the north west Highlands.

From BBC

Flynn attempts to rebuild his life even as mysterious events begin plaguing the island.

From Los Angeles Times

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has described the storm, which affected more than two million people, as the most challenging natural disaster in the island's history.

From Barron's

Images from Bako’s baby shower were set in a 14,000-square-foot rental villa on one of Dubai’s palm islands, which markets itself as offering eight luxury bathrooms, VIP suites and a “massive assorted candy wall.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• archipelago
• enclave
• isle
• islet
• peninsula
• reef