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 house was constructed from trees that once surrounded the property, and is now an oasis complete with a full kitchen for whipping up afternoon snacks and a backyard with a BBQ and plenty of outdoor furniture. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026

Yet, in the verdant oasis of San Pedro, there’s actually a sprinkling of life. —Mark Johanson, Outside, 18 Mar. 2026

Smart move as Orange County’s southernmost town has, as of late, turned into a food oasis, most notably with the recent opening of Ilya and the upcoming Miramar Food Hall. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026

Brought to market by Susan Bradley, the blissful oasis promises fresh, airy living spaces and a private boat house with a party deck, which is a rare treasure since they are no longer permitted to be built on this lake. —Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 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
• atelectasis
• bronchiectasis
• homeostasis

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