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

Though not as breathtakingly palatial as its forebears in Hong Kong (the first-born) and Manila (the second), this third child is nonetheless manor-like, quietly confident, and a total oasis. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

Located in the foothills of Uttarakhand above the pilgrimage town of Rishikesh, Ananda is a serene 100-acre oasis on the former estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. —Betsy Andrews, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026

The Nepolas won’t be wanting for much at the sleek oasis that has both the comforts of home and world-class amenities. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026

Host Rachel Holt explores this beautiful urban oasis and uncovers its stunning transformation from landfill to one of the top outdoor attractions in Boston. —Rachel Holt, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for oasis

• basis
• glacis
• mesas
• stasis
• anabasis
• cholestasis
• haemostasis
• hemostasis
• hypostasis
• atelectasis
• bronchiectasis
• homeostasis

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