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

Built with passion over three generations, these family-run gardens have grown from a windswept island homestead to a vibrant exotic oasis totally unique in Norway. —David Nikel, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024

By the city’s standards, this $5.2 million Brooklyn brownstone’s outdoor space is a veritable oasis. —Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2024

They are not allowed to dig deeper than 1.5 feet when gardening in their yard, a small oasis in the always buzzing city center. —Demetrios Ioannou, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Aug. 2024

The restaurant overlooks the Ayung River, and its flowing stream is like the soundtrack to stay at this serene oasis. —Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 27 July 2024

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

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