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

Developer Mario Caprini plans to transform the two Hall of Fame towers on the east and west end of the peninsula at 501 Seabreeze Blvd. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026

The sleek white and wood kitchen has a waterfall peninsula and a compact, stainless-steel fridge. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 2 Mar. 2026

The regions of the country that will likely have the best overall weather conditions for the moon show will be southeast New England, much of the Florida peninsula, the northern Rockies, the Southwest deserts, Nevada, and most of California. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Nômadé has a coastal feel, serving Yucatán Mexican cuisine inspired by the beaches of the peninsula and the seafood traditions of the Mexican Gulf Coast. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 28 Feb. 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