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

UK Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty has said the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands is a matter for Britain and Mauritius, not the Maldives.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The Maldives opposes Mauritian control of the Chagos Islands and argues it has historical claims to the archipelago dating back centuries.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

They vacationed together in the Maldives, some of the people familiar with his operations said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

The payoff was a five-night honeymoon in the Maldives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

I received the postcard from the Maldives last week.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller