mainland

[ meyn-land, -luhnd ]

/ ˈmeɪnˌlænd, -lənd /

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noun

the principal land of a country, region, etc., as distinguished from adjacent islands or a peninsula: the mainland of Greece.

any part of or all of the continental United States or conterminous United States, especially from the perspective of someone in a geographically detached U.S. state or territory, such as Hawaii or Guam:I’m not sure where on the mainland Jasmine went to college, but it may have been Milwaukee.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of mainland

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; see origin at main¹, land

Words nearby mainland

Mainer, main-force, mainframe, main gauche, main idea, mainland, mainland China, mainlander, mainland Japan, mainline, mainliner

Other definitions for mainland (2 of 2)

Mainland

[ meyn-land, -luhnd ]

/ ˈmeɪnˌlænd, -lənd /

noun

the largest of the Shetland Islands. About 200 sq. mi. (520 sq. km).

Pomona (def. 3).

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

How to use mainland in a sentence

The Politburo’s response dynamically reflected the mainland populace’s pent-up anger, through pivoting towards more hardline stances and measures.
The Only Path Ahead for Hong Kong Is Reform|Brian Wong|January 13, 2021|Time
China’s box office revenue on New Year’s Day hit a new record as moviegoers flocked to cinemas across the mainland.
Are movie theaters dead? Certainly not in China|Naomi Xu Elegant|January 4, 2021|Fortune
This week, Goldman Sachs said it was in the process of acquiring 100% ownership of its China joint venture, which would make it the first Wall Street bank with full control of a mainland securities firm.
COVID-era exports are fueling China’s economic recovery. What happens when the pandemic ends?|Naomi Xu Elegant|December 13, 2020|Fortune
I’ve been in the mainland for a long time now, it’s been like 20 years.
The Computer Scientist Who Shrinks Big Data|Allison Whitten|December 7, 2020|Quanta Magazine

In a news release, Ige stressed the importance of keeping infection numbers down on an island that can’t afford to have its hospitals filled with coronavirus patients the same way that others have on the mainland.
A Hawaii couple knew they had coronavirus before flying. They boarded a flight anyway and were arrested, police say.|Andrea Salcedo|December 3, 2020|Washington Post
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
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
Palombo, who was on the mainland at the time, told him to move on.
The Costa Concordia’s Randy Reckless Captain Takes the Stand|Barbie Latza Nadeau|December 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Even now, the protest sites see a good number of Mainland Chinese tourists who stop by to read the posters and banners.
Chinese Tourists Are Taking Hong Kong Protest Selfies|Brendon Hong|October 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Shoppers from Mainland China arrived in droves, and gained front row seats to civil disobedience in action.
Chinese Tourists Are Taking Hong Kong Protest Selfies|Brendon Hong|October 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When all these ceremonies were finished, they carried him for burial to an isolated island, far from the mainland.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
The mainland of the great northern cove and the eastern side of the Islands were thick with trees: oaks, buckeye, willows, madroo.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
In Alderney, I am told, it has one small station on the mainland on the side nearest the French coast.
Birds of Guernsey (1879)|Cecil Smith
By the time of our return the tide had already risen several feet and we were rowed to the mainland in a boat.
British Highways And Byways From A Motor Car|Thomas D. Murphy
Lake Luna was a-glare from the mainland to Cavern Island, and the freight boats had given over running until the spring break-up.
The Girls of Central High on the Stage|Gertrude W. Morrison

British Dictionary definitions for mainland (1 of 2)

mainland

/ (ˈmeɪnlənd) /

noun

the main part of a land mass as opposed to an island or peninsula

the mainland a particular landmass as viewed from a nearby island with which it has close links, such as Great Britain as viewed from Northern Ireland or continental Australia as viewed from Tasmania

Derived forms of mainland

mainlander, noun

British Dictionary definitions for mainland (2 of 2)

Mainland

/ (ˈmeɪnlənd) /

noun

an island off N Scotland: the largest of the Shetland Islands. Chief town: Lerwick. Pop: 17 550 (2001). Area: about 583 sq km (225 sq miles)

Also called: Pomona an island off N Scotland: the largest of the Orkney Islands. Chief town: Kirkwall. Pop: 15 315 (2001). Area: 492 sq km (190 sq miles)

the Mainland NZ a South Islanders' name for South Island

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

mainland

Origin of mainland

Words nearby mainland

Other definitions for mainland (2 of 2)

Words related to mainland

How to use mainland in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for mainland (1 of 2)

Derived forms of mainland

British Dictionary definitions for mainland (2 of 2)