Marshall Islands

American  

plural noun

1. a group of 34 atolls in the western central Pacific Ocean: formerly a part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; since 1986 a self-governing area associated with the United States. 70 square miles (181 square kilometers).

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Marshall Islands British  

/ ˈmɑːʃəl /

plural noun

1. a republic, consisting of a group of 34 coral islands in the W central Pacific: formerly part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (1947–87); status of free association with the US from 1986; consists of two parallel chains, Ralik and Ratak. Official languages: Marshallese and English. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: US dollar. Capital: Delap-Uliga-Djarrit, on Majuro atoll. Pop: 69 747 (2013 est). Area: (land) 181 sq km (70 sq miles); (lagoon) 11 655 sq km (4500 sq miles)

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Other Word Forms

• Marshallese
  noun

Example Sentences

The tanker, which is under EU and US sanctions, has flown the flags of Madagascar, the Marshall Islands and Panama.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Indian authorities earlier said the Safesea Vishnu, which sails under the Marshall Islands flag, was attacked by an unmanned speed boat.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

The Iron Maiden, registered in the Marshall Islands, and the Liberia-flagged Sino Ocean, brandished China links while sailing through the strait, then removed them once they were out.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

Micronesia and the other two freely associated states, the Marshall Islands and Palau, are technically independent but have negotiated their own compacts with the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

But on March I, 1954, a thermonuclear weapons test at Bikini in the Marshall Islands detonated at higher yield than expected.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan