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

The rounded backs and breezy linen upholstery make this dining chair duo a great option for your coastal oasis. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2026

In the market for a charming little outdoor oasis to elevate camping trips this summer? — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

Set the scene The Four Seasons Chiang Mai is an oasis hidden in plain sight. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026

Whereas on this north side, sought after by wealthy young professionals and successful creatives, few who pass by would even know this urban oasis exists. — Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes.com, 30 June 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
• periphrasis
• atelectasis
• bronchiectasis

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