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

• 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

Destructive winds and flooding rain also pummeled the state’s peninsula. —Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025

Today, eight former patients remain on the register at Kalaupapa, some still living on the peninsula, including one that recently celebrated his 100th birthday. —Will McGough, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said President Nicolas Maduro ordered more troops in the Guajira region of Zulia state and the Paraguana peninsula in Falcon. —Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2025

How to Get Around Renting a car is hands-down the easiest way to explore the peninsula. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025

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