Okinawa

American  

[oh-kuh-nou-wuh, -nah-wuh, aw-kee-nah-wah] / ˌoʊ kəˈnaʊ wə, -ˈnɑ wə, ˈɔ kiˈnɑ wɑ /

noun

1. the largest of the Ryukyu Islands, in the N Pacific, SW of Japan: taken by U.S. forces April–June 1945 in the last major amphibious campaign of World War II. 544 sq. mi. (1,409 sq. km).

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Okinawa British  

/ ˌəʊkɪˈnɑːwə /

noun

1. a coral island of SW Japan, the largest of the Ryukyu Islands in the N Pacific: scene of heavy fighting in World War II; administered by the US (1945–72); agricultural. Chief town: Naha. Pop: 1 318 218 (2000). Area: 1176 sq km (454 sq miles)

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Okinawa Cultural  

1. Island in the western Pacific Ocean; part of Japan.

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During World War II, American forces seized the island from Japan in a particularly bloody campaign. It was returned to Japan in 1972.

Other Word Forms

• Okinawan adjective

Example Sentences

“That’s fantastic,” said Roberts, who was born in Naha, Okinawa, Japan.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

She’s created her own twist on shisa, lion-dog statues that are common sights all around Okinawa.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

In December, J-15 jets from China's Liaoning aircraft carrier twice locked radar on Japanese aircraft in international waters near Okinawa, according to Japan.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Marine Corps was also taken to Okinawa for exercises.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

In late June, American forces had finally taken the island of Okinawa, 340 miles from the Japanese mainland.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin