Tuvalu

American  

[too-vuh-loo, too-vah-loo] / ˈtu vəˌlu, tuˈvɑ lu /

noun

1. a parliamentary state consisting of a group of islands in the central Pacific, south of the equator: a former British colony; gained independence 1978. 10 sq. mi. (26 sq. km). Funafuti.

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Tuvalu British  

/ ˌtuːvəˈluː /

noun

1. Former names: Lagoon Islands.   Ellice Islands.  a country in the SW Pacific, comprising a group of nine coral islands: established as a British protectorate in 1892. From 1915 until 1975 the islands formed part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands; achieved full independence in 1978; a member of the Commonwealth (formerly a special member not represented at all meetings, until 2000). Languages: English and Tuvaluan. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Australian dollar; Tuvalu dollars are also used. Capital: Funafuti. Pop: 10 698 (2013 est). Area: 26 sq km (10 sq miles)

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Other Word Forms

• Tuvaluan
  adjective

Example Sentences

Colombia passed the baton to Tuvalu, a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean that will host the next fossil fuel phaseout conference in 2027.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

To close that research gap, scientists examined data on 878 coastal fish representing 138 species caught by fishing communities around Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

From Science Daily • Feb. 3, 2026

North Korean smuggling networks have long exploited shipping registries in South Pacific nations such as Palau, Niue and Tuvalu.

From Barron's • Dec. 2, 2025

Canberra struck a new A$190m security deal with the Solomon Islands last December, with similar agreements also in place with Tuvalu and Papua New Guinea.

From BBC • Aug. 13, 2025

The capital city of Tuvalu, a long-forgotten Olympic weight lifter, a fifteen-letter word for dervish: "Oh, that," he said.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris