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

Instead of shedding blankets throughout the night, opt for a mattress topper to turn your bed into a cool, airy oasis. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2023

For miles in every direction beyond the oasis, there’s little else but sand. —Gisela Williams Anthony Cotsifas, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2023

An empty garden shed can easily become a pretty oasis by adding a paver patio, installing lights both inside and out, and embellishing doors with metal sheeting. —Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2023

But the best way to experience the park and its vast natural beauty — an oasis amidst towering skyscrapers — may be to simply sit on the grass or a park bench to enjoy a picnic lunch. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2023

The practice has grown into an oasis, a place where each client’s unique beauty is recognized, nurtured, and amplified. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2023

Chez Billy Sud Before there were Petite Cerise, Le Clou and Ellington Park Bistro — a crowd of French restaurants in Washington — this intimate Georgetown oasis was my happy spot for snails in puff pastry and duck confit sauced with orange. —Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2023

Located in lower Manhattan, the 53,000-square-foot oasis is a haven for culinary connoisseurs. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2023

The breezy, open-air oasis is home to a large alfresco dining space, loungers, and an infinity Jacuzzi. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2023

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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