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

Small Pacific island states such as Tuvalu are threatened by rising sea levels, while some 10 million people are estimated to have been displaced because of storms in the Philippines, the IOM chief said.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

Mercer took over management of the $200 million Tuvalu Trust Fund in 2022.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Prime Minister Feleti Teo told AFP he was personally disappointed to learn of these investments, which Tuvalu is now reviewing.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Tuvalu has entrusted management of its single-largest financial asset to advisory firm Mercer, which has invested in funds holding stakes in major fossil fuel companies, according to financial records and government reports reviewed by AFP.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

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