peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio) -shə-lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio)
: 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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for peninsula

Word History

Etymology

Latin paeninsula, from paene almost + insula island

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peninsula was circa 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peninsula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peninsula. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

peninsula

noun
pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio) -ˈnin-chə-lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio)
: a piece of land nearly surrounded by water or sticking out into the water
peninsular
-s(ə-)lər How to pronounce peninsula (audio)
-chə-lər
adjective
Etymology

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

More from Merriam-Webster on peninsula

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