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

Rain barrels fall into the same category; they, too, can be hidden and concealed to maintain curb appeal and create a relaxing outdoor oasis. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2026

Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun Retreat to Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun for an oasis in the Hotel Zone. — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

My daughter’s banana pancakes also brought back memories, and the multi-level patio, which sports a sizeable koi pond, lots of greenery and even a few sculptures, feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 16 July 2026

Set the scene Daunt’s is right in the heart of things, but both the pool area and the main 23-room motel feel like a little oasis, set apart from the hubbub of town and with none of the see-and-be-seen energy of places like the Surf Lodge. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 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