Philippines

American  

[fil-uh-peenz, fil-uh-peenz] / ˈfɪl əˌpinz, ˌfɪl əˈpinz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. an archipelago of 7083 islands in the Pacific, SE of China: formerly (1898–1946) under the guardianship of the U.S.; now an independent republic. 114,830 sq. mi. (297,410 sq. km). Manila.

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Philippines British  

/ ˈfɪlɪˌpiːnz, ˌfɪlɪˈpiːnz /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a republic in SE Asia, occupying an archipelago of about 7100 islands (including Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, and Negros): became a Spanish colony in 1571 but ceded to the US in 1898 after the Spanish-American War; gained independence in 1946. The islands are generally mountainous and volcanic. Official languages: Filipino, based on Tagalog, and English. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: peso. Capital: Manila. Pop: 105 720 644 (2013 est). Area: 300 076 sq km (115 860 sq miles)

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Philippines Cultural  

1. Republic in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, comprising over seven thousand islands. Its capital and largest city is Manila.

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Discover More

Named for Philip II, king of Spain during the sixteenth century.

Although Philippine independence had long been an important political issue, the country did not gain full independence until 1946.

It continues to be plagued by allegations of corruption in high places and by a Muslim insurgency.

The Spanish held control of the islands until 1898, when they were transferred to the United States after the Spanish-American War.

The country was under the virtual dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos from 1965 until 1986, when he was forced into exile in the United States.

Occupied by the Japanese during World War II, the islands were liberated by Allied troops under General Douglas MacArthur.

Etymology

Origin of Philippines

Named in 1544 by Ruy López de Villalobos (about 1500–44), Spanish explorer, who called the archipelago Las Islas Filipinas after Prince Philip of Austria, the Prince of Asturias at the time (later he became King Philip II of Spain)

Example Sentences

“Our populations have been so shielded from the reality of conflict. What is being taught is a passive Gandhi-esque culture of peace,” the Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. lamented.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

The earthquake saw thousands of people ordered to evacuate in coastal areas of the southern Philippines and neighbouring Indonesia as tsunami warnings were issued by multiple countries and a regional warning centre.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

That case stemmed from a 2012 police investigation – "Operation Alto" – in which 18 crew from the Philippines were recognised as victims of modern slavery.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

U.S. delays have caused concern in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines and other regional countries about U.S. commitment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

There are monuments to him throughout the Philippines.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly