West Indies

geographical name

1
the islands lying between southeastern North America and northern South America bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic and comprising the Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, and Bahamas
2
or West Indies Federation former country including all of the British West Indies except the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands

Note: The West Indies Federation was established in 1958 and was dissolved in 1961.

West Indian adjective or noun

Dictionary Entries Near West Indies

Cite this Entry

“West Indies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/West%20Indies. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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