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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

With an order backlog that extends to over 65 of the vessels from customers in India, Saudi Arabia, the Maldives, Thailand and Germany, the company is expanding its manufacturing footprint to keep pace.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

President Mohamed Muizzu's office told the BBC the Maldives had expressed its opposition to the "deeply concerning" deal in two written objections and a phone call with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The statement said the Maldives government would "pursue all available avenues for a formal submission" to the ICJ and continued to "assess all lawful means to uphold the national interest".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

“Um…” I search my brain for any island that isn’t the Maldives.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller