landmass

American  

[land-mas] / ˈlændˌmæs /

noun

Geology.

1. a part of the continental crust above sea level having a distinct identity, as a continent or large island.

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landmass British  

/ ˈlændˌmæs /

noun

1. a large continuous area of land, as opposed to seas or islands

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landmass Scientific  

/ lănd′măs′ /

1. A large, continuous area of land, such as a continent or a very large island.

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Etymology

Origin of landmass

First recorded in 1855–60; land + mass

Example Sentences

Mackinder’s argument was simple: Whoever dominates that landmass has the best shot at dominating global power.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

At that time, New Guinea and Australia were joined as a single landmass called Sahul.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

Rainforest covers only 6% of the earth’s landmass yet harbors half its terrestrial biodiversity, much of it yet to be discovered.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Lagos faces one of the most severe housing shortages in Africa and homelessness is rife in Nigeria's largest city by population but smallest by landmass -- set to become the world’s largest metropolis by 2100.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

The Americas form the world’s second-largest landmass, significantly smaller than Eurasia.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond