Maldives
geographical nameMal·dives | \ ˈmȯl-ˌdēvz 
, -ˌdīvz also ˈmal-, -divz \
, -ˌdīvz also ˈmal-, -divz \Definition of Maldives
low-lying islands (atolls) in the Indian Ocean south of the Laccadive Islands; a sultanate under British protection until 1965; now an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations; capital Male area 115 square miles (298 square kilometers), population 392,500
Other Words from Maldives
Maldivian \ mȯl-ˈdi-vē-ən , mal- \ adjective or noun
, mal- \ adjective or nounComments on Maldives
What made you want to look up Maldives? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share Maldives