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 Gulf Arab states, which have gotten used to being an oasis of tranquility in an unstable region, are now on the front lines of a conflict that has exposed its many vulnerabilities. —Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

An oasis in the woods was designed for relaxation — and ranks as the most in-demand place to stay in North Carolina. —Simone Jasper updated April 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026

Her new garden and home collection with HSN is designed to elevate your outdoor oasis, bringing a polished, almost cinematic feel to everything from your patio setup to your gardening routine. —Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026

Just off the bustling street known as Spaccanapoli, which runs through the historic center, this quiet cloister feels like a tranquil oasis removed from the chaos. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 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