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 of peninsula

• 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

The narrow peninsula began attracting dedicated tourism to its thermal water springs in the 20th century. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

In Korea’s case, the war ended in a stalemate, leaving the peninsula formally at war. — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

The lighthouse became the pride of the peninsula, a beloved backdrop for wedding and quinceañera photos and picnics and an image plastered on many local business and nonprofit logos. — Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Riders on the Jungle Cruise float past a Sausage Tree that serves as a heroic focal point on a peninsula next to Schweitzer Falls. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2026

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