Marquesas Islands

American  

[mahr-key-zuhz, -suhz, -suhs] / mɑrˈkeɪ zəz, -səz, -səs /

plural noun

1. a group of French islands in the S Pacific. 480 sq. mi. (1,245 sq. km).

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Marquesas Islands British  

/ mɑːˈkeɪsæs /

plural noun

1. French name: Îles Marquises.  a group of volcanic islands in the S Pacific, in French Polynesia. Pop: 8712 (2002). Area: 1287 sq km (497 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

In French Polynesia, officials raised predicted wave heights for Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands to 4m, with smaller waves of just under a metre expected on surrounding islands.

From BBC • Jul. 30, 2025

The territory has one bright spot: Nuku Hiva, in the Marquesas Islands, where French Polynesia’s vaccination campaign began in January and 85% of the population is fully vaccinated.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2021

If it were up to her, she said, she would be sailing in the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia right now.

From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2018

Or which nation Hiva Oa, one of the main islands in the Marquesas Islands, belongs to?

From New York Times • May 11, 2015

III The Marquesas Islands are small and, in contrast to the coral and basaltic formation of Tahiti, of volcanic origin.

From Paul Gauguin, His Life and Art by Fletcher, John Gould