oasis

noun

oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs 

plural oases ō-ˈā-ˌsēz 

1

: a fertile or green area in an arid region (such as a desert)

The caravan stopped to rest at an oasis.

2

: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast

The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories.

Examples of oasis in a Sentence

The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories.

Our brief trip to the beach was a much-needed oasis in a summer of hard work.

Recent Examples on the Web

Saratoga has become a summer horse racing oasis and was the natural choice for where to move the Triple Crown finale in 2024 and '25 while Belmont Park in New York undergoes a massive $455 million reconstruction project. —CBS News, 8 June 2024

Cool and Customizable Western Window Systems can unlock your home’s potential to be an al fresco oasis on demand, thanks to its doors that can effectively work as moving walls. —Sunset Magazine, 28 May 2024

In the pursuit to transform your backyard into the oasis of your dreams, finding the perfect outdoor furniture is key. —Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 26 May 2024

Keep scrolling to see the 30 best furniture and decor deals to curate your dream outdoor oasis. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin Oasis, referring to the Great Oasis of Kharge in the Libyan Desert of Egypt, borrowed from Greek Óasis (Herodotus), borrowed from Egyptian wḥꜢ.t "fertile area in the desert"

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

oasis

noun

oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs 

plural oases -ˈā-ˌsēz 

1

: a fertile or green spot in a desert

2

: something or some place that provides refreshing relief