insular

adjective

in·​su·​lar ˈin(t)-su̇-lər How to pronounce insular (audio)
-syu̇-,
ˈin-shə-lər
1
: characteristic of an isolated people
especially : being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint
2
a
: of, relating to, or constituting an island
b
: dwelling or situated on an island
insular residents
3
: of or relating to an island of cells or tissue
insularism
ˈin(t)-su̇-lə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce insular (audio)
-syu̇-
ˈin-shə-lə-
noun
insularity
ˌin(t)-su̇-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce insular (audio)
-ˈla-rə- -syu̇-
ˌin-shə-ˈler-ə-
-ˈla-rə-
noun
insularly
ˈin(t)-su̇-lər-lē How to pronounce insular (audio)
-syu̇-
ˈin-shə-
adverb

Examples of insular in a Sentence

the insular world of boarding schools an insular community that is not receptive of new ideas, especially from outsiders
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.
The film’s insular focus on Sonny and Joshua generates an atmosphere of isolation in the paddock, an us-versus-them mentality that every team and driver is out for themselves. Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 Reductions were also seen in parts of the brainstem; the cerebellum, which is important for motor control and coordination; and other areas like the orbitofrontal and insular regions—both of which are crucial for emotion regulation, decision-making and social behavior. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 Harvard is too hubristic, too fat and prosperous, too insular, too aloof, and too dogmatic to admit that it’s erred ... Brian T. Allen, National Review, 28 June 2025 The centrist and right-wing intellectuals largely dropped their oppositional politics while the left became insular and weakened. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for insular

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin insularis, from Latin insula island

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of insular was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Insular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insular. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

insular

adjective
in·​su·​lar ˈin(t)s-(y)ə-lər How to pronounce insular (audio)
ˈin-shə-lər
1
: of, relating to, or forming an island
2
: being isolated or detached
an insular building
3
: not open to new or different ideas : narrow
an insular viewpoint
insularity noun

Medical Definition

insular

adjective
in·​su·​lar -lər How to pronounce insular (audio)
: of or relating to an island of cells or tissue (as the islets of Langerhans or the insula)

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