peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə  -shə-lə 

: a portion of land nearly surrounded by water and connected with a larger body by an isthmus

also : a piece of land jutting out into the water whether with or without a well-defined isthmus

the Italian peninsula

peninsular

pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lər 

-shə-lər

adjective

Synonyms

• cape
• point
• headland

Examples of peninsula in a Sentence

They built their house on a narrow peninsula.

the peninsula is constantly buffeted by storms

Recent Examples on the Web

That evening, our group enjoyed the fruits of our foraging at Veld & Sea’s farm in the middle of the peninsula. —Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025

According to the hurricane center, up to an inch of rain is expected across the Baja California peninsula as Priscilla moves off its west coast. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025

In July, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts announced plans for Bulgari Resort Bodrum, where a highly exclusive residential community, composed of 101 Bulgari Mansions, will also be present on the peninsula. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025

In addition to heavy rain, Priscilla is bringing dangerous swells and life-threatening rip currents to southwestern and west-central Mexico and the southern Baja California peninsula. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin paeninsula, from paene almost + insula island

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peninsula

• insole
• insula

Kids Definition

peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə  -ˈnin-chə-lə 

: a piece of land nearly surrounded by water or sticking out into the water

peninsular

-s(ə-)lər 

-chə-lər

adjective

Etymology

from Latin paeninsula "peninsula," from paene- "almost" and insula "island" — related to insulate, isle, isolate