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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Discover More

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

Mao Ishikawa’s mid-’70s photos of Okinawa reveal the lasting influence of World War II, as American soldiers mingle with locals, many of whom are the children of veterans and the Japanese residents.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Okinawa voters exert popular pressure over a U.S. military presence but the unquestioned authority over defense and strategic decisions still resides with Tokyo.

From The Wall Street Journal

The drills made the point that Chinese forces could try to cut off any assistance coming from U.S. bases in Okinawa, Japan.

From The Wall Street Journal

One island in particular, Okinawa, is blanketed with military facilities and training areas.

From The Wall Street Journal