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 five-star resort—which has an adults-only policy, welcoming guests aged 14 years and above—is an oasis, especially in peak season when the lakeside is crammed with crowds. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Just as oil money transformed and modernized the Gulf into city-states of gleaming skyscrapers, centuries of wine money have polished this rural corner of Burgundy into an agri-luxury oasis. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 8 July 2026

Outdoors, meanwhile, the grassy grounds are anchored by a 45-foot-by-12-foot heated gunite swimming pool, creating a private oasis just steps from the heart of the village. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 July 2026

Add the Best Choice Products Solar Outdoor Bird Bath to your backyard oasis for a design that doubles as an outdoor night light, planter, and bird feeder. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 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