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

• 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

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

From BBC • May 14, 2026

David Land and his wife Barbara, who live in the north east of England, were due to go on holiday to the Maldives this summer, flying there via Dubai.

From BBC • May 8, 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