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

In the early 20th century, this man-versus-nature oasis was strong-armed into being when mobsters and casino magnates swept into the Nevada desert. —Zoey Goto, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026

Located in a 197-acre urban oasis, the lagoon has experienced plenty of pressures from human intervention, including the dumping of pets, such as domestic ducks, reptiles and fish. —Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

Especially when paired with privacy-boosting landscaping, this backyard firepit idea can make your outdoor entertaining area feel like a secluded oasis. —Marisa Donnelly, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2026

Tropicana Field proved no oasis for Vitello’s last-place squad (13-19). —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 2 May 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