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.

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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)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Maldivian
  adjective

Example Sentences

Italian divers who died in the Maldives may have taken the wrong tunnel in a cave and died in a dead-end corridor, the head of the company that recovered their bodies told AFP Thursday.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

The bodies of two Italians who drowned in a scuba diving accident in the Maldives last week have been brought to the surface, local officials have told the BBC.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Diving and snorkelling accidents are relatively rare in the Maldives, although several fatalities have been reported in recent years.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

The newlyweds developed a business plan while on their honeymoon in the Maldives, in 2018.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Emma grabs the Maldives postcard and sticks her nose so close to the picture that it’s practically touching.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller