Maldives

American  

[mawl-deevz, mal-dahyvz] / ˈmɔl divz, ˈmæl daɪvz /

noun

1. a republic in the Indian Ocean, SW of India, consisting of about 2000 islands: British protectorate 1887–1965. 115 sq. mi. (298 sq. km). Male.

---

Maldives British  

/ ˈmɔːlˈdiːvz /

plural noun

1. Also known as: the Maldive Islands. a republic occupying an archipelago of 1087 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka: came under British protection in 1887; became independent in 1965 and a republic in 1968; a member of the Commonwealth. The economy and infrastructure were severely damaged in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. Official language: Divehi. Official religion: (Sunni) Muslim. Currency: rufiyaa. Capital: Malé. Pop: 393 988 (2013 est). Area: 298 sq km (115 sq miles)

---

Other Word Forms

• Maldivian
  adjective

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Maldives

Fiji said last month it expected the heads of state for Antigua and Barbuda, Cape Verde, Thailand, the Maldives and Timor-Leste would attend.

From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026

Customs data from the Maldives shows a paltry amount of exports to Russia between 2022 and 2025—about $2,300 of tuna and $25 in leaflets and brochures.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

In July, Maldives Airports Company said it recorded a historic high in its daily cargo volume transiting through the airport by shipping a record 126 tons of freight in one day.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

In December, a Chinese content creator was bitten in the Maldives.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

“Um…” I search my brain for any island that isn’t the Maldives.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---