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

Firefighters put out the blaze by Friday morning as other crews in planes headed further south toward the Peljesac peninsula where another wildfire broke out overnight. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

The contemporary property, located on the Ucluelet peninsula, is near both the water and Wild Pacific Trail; ideal for the outdoorsman. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026

The two sides were deadlocked over which would control the peninsula until Kissinger recognized that Egypt’s core interest was sovereignty and national pride while Israel’s was security. — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

Alvaro Canovas Founded in nearby Gassin, Château Minuty has witnessed the evolution of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, and its rosé wines are inextricably linked with the Riviera lifestyle. — Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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