peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə  -shə-lə 

: a portion of land nearly surrounded by water and connected with a larger body by an isthmus

also : a piece of land jutting out into the water whether with or without a well-defined isthmus

the Italian peninsula

peninsular

pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lər 

-shə-lər

adjective

Synonyms of peninsula

• cape
• point
• headland

Examples of peninsula in a Sentence

They built their house on a narrow peninsula.

the peninsula is constantly buffeted by storms

Recent Examples on the Web

French authorities ordered the complete evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula on Friday, launching boats to help rescue people from the popular tourist destination that’s now threatened by wildfires. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Disruptions either side of the Arabian peninsula (see map below) are now creating the market perception of severely stunted export levels from the Middle East going into the second half of the trading year. — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Stakias worked in hospitality in England, Cyprus, Athens, and elsewhere over the course of two decades before returning to the peninsula for its slower pace and quality of life. — Yulia Denisyuk, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2026

With arguably the world’s greatest lineup of roller coasters, Cedar Point’s unique setting on a narrow peninsula that juts out onto Lake Erie adds a wow factor to just about every ride. — Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin paeninsula, from paene almost + insula island

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peninsula

• insole
• insula

Kids Definition

peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə  -ˈnin-chə-lə 

: a piece of land nearly surrounded by water or sticking out into the water

peninsular

-s(ə-)lər 

-chə-lər

adjective

Etymology

from Latin paeninsula "peninsula," from paene- "almost" and insula "island" — related to insulate, isle, isolate