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

Sitting on the Bjäre peninsula, where Danish and Swedish royalty summered more than a century ago, is an unassuming guesthouse with kale-green shutters and a red-tile roof. — Michelle Tchea, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026

From there, head south toward the Mani peninsula’s stone tower houses or inland to mountainous Arcadia. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Along with godwits, the peninsula was a summer home to yellowlegs, dowitchers, sandpipers, Arctic terns, and other species. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Door County Circle Tour Wisconsin A geographic quirk—70 north-south miles of narrow peninsula—means autumn stretches for weeks here. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 12 Sep. 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