Vancouver Island

[ van-koo-ver ahy-luhnd ]

noun

1. a major island of British Columbia, Canada, off the southwest coast of the mainland: the largest and most populous island of all the Americas’ west coasts. 12,408 sq. mi. (32,135 sq. km).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Vancouver Island¹

First recorded in 1845–50; named after British Royal Navy Captain George Vancouver (1757–1798)

Example Sentences

We then proceeded by steamer, through glorious scenery, southward to Victoria, Vancouver Island.

From Project Gutenberg

They faced a sinking sun, a ball of molten fire on the far crest of Vancouver Island.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, in 1846, the latter contention was accepted, with a modification to leave Vancouver Island wholly British territory.

From Project Gutenberg

Local governments had been established both in Vancouver Island and on the mainland.

From Project Gutenberg

Mount Arrowsmith is one of the highest mountains of Vancouver Island; it is 5976 feet in elevation.

From Project Gutenberg