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

The special, KPop Shark Heroes, is set to premiere during this year’s Shark Week, scheduled for late July, and is hoping to change minds after recent shark attacks off the Korean peninsula. —Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026

Connecticut's oldest village, Stonington, is a robust agricultural borough with a wee historic village that stretches down a peninsula and ends at duBois Beach. —Amy Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026

In fact, the National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning or frost advisory for the entire lower peninsula of Michigan. —Karen Carter, CBS News, 11 May 2026

Covering much of the peninsula’s lush windward side, a steep coastal trail in Kohala Forest Preserve leads to a remote beach and surfing spot in Pololū Valley. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 May 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