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

Massages, facials, and personal training sessions can be booked, and the relaxation area with two loungers is a mini oasis with complementary water and nuts. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

The industry behind the wellness retreat boom Hotels and resorts are quietly converting their spas from relaxation oases into health and longevity destinations, with programs that claim to improve sleep, reduce stress and support longer, healthier lives. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026

But the gambling oasis may have found a savior. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

For many, The Sanderling, located on Currituck Sound, is the epitome of rejuvenation, providing a private coastal oasis that immediately delivers the daily grind mentality into a coastal state of mind. —Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 9 June 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