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.
His decision not to return to his village and his father signifies freedom from an insular past but also sets him on the path of finding his own identity. Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025 The locals nearly revolted against the Hollywood film crew who’d invaded the insular island community to shoot the picture. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025 Wrigleyville was still a relatively insular neighborhood in ’90, with a few bars and Yum-Yum Donuts within walking distance of the park. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 Contemporary sociopolitical unrest finally brought change to the insular community, however, which saw artisanal fishing giving way to a dangerous wave of drug trafficking. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insular. Accessed 30 Jun. 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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