Kuril Islands

[ koor-il ahy-luhnz, koo-reel ]

/ ˈkʊər ɪl ˈaɪ lənz, kʊˈril /

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plural noun

a chain of more than 55 small volcanic islands off the northeast coast of Asia, extending from northern Japan to the southern tip of Kamchatka: under Russian administration since Soviet invasion 1945, but subject to dispute, as with Japan’s ongoing claim to the four southernmost islands.

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Formerly Ku·rile Is·lands . Japanese Chi·shi·ma ret·tō [chi-shee-muh-ret-oh], /tʃɪˈʃi mə ˈrɛt oʊ/, Ku·ri·ru ret·tō [koo-ree-roo ret-oh] /kuˈri ru ˈrɛt oʊ/ .

Origin of Kuril Islands

First recorded in 1895–1900; from Russian Kuríl'skiye Ostrová, from Ainu kur “man”

Words nearby Kuril Islands

Kurds, Kure, kurgan, kuri, Kurile Islands, Kuril Islands, Kuril Trench, Kurland, kurmi, kurn, Kurnool

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

How to use Kuril Islands in a sentence

Nixon said defending the two islands was “a matter of principle.”
The World’s Toughest Political Quiz|Jeff Greenfield|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In 1957, the islands came under repeated shelling by Mainland--or as it was then called, “Red”-- China.
The World’s Toughest Political Quiz|Jeff Greenfield|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
During a debate, the candidates were asked about the islands.
The World’s Toughest Political Quiz|Jeff Greenfield|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The two islands are now tourist sites for visitors from Taiwan and mainland China.
The World’s Toughest Political Quiz|Jeff Greenfield|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Islands overrun by flawed people, both indigenous and imperialist.
How Haoles Destroyed Hawaii|Wendy Smith|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Among the Japanese who are in the islands there are more than one thousand five hundred Christians.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
In Cuba its culture commenced in 1580, and from this and the other islands large quantities were shipped to Europe.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
And thou didst multiply riddles in parables: thy name went abroad to the islands far off, and thou wast beloved in thy peace.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
That, in the light of present conditions, is the most important thing for the necessary maintenance and defense of these islands.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
During most seasons of the year the voyage from Macazar to the islands of Panay and the Pintados, or to this island, can be made.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various

British Dictionary definitions for Kuril Islands

Kuril Islands

Kurile Islands

/ (kʊˈriːl) /

pl n

a chain of 56 volcanic islands off the NE coast of Asia, extending for 1200 km (750 miles) from the S tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula to NE Hokkaido. Area: 14 990 sq km (6020 sq miles)Japanese name: Chishima

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