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

Jomon ancestry appeared strongest in Okinawa, where it was found in 28.5% of samples, while western Japan showed much lower levels at 13.4%.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2026

A Marine expeditionary unit was sent from Okinawa to the region for the potential operation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

This article was adapted from text provided by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 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

I will tell you one story about Okinawa, grandchildren.

From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac