plural continents
1
: one of the great divisions of land (such as North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, or Antarctica) of the Earth
the African continent = the continent of Africa
2
chiefly British
: the countries of Europe except for Great Britain and Ireland
The book provides information on hotels in Britain and on the Continent.
medical
: able to control your bladder and bowels
Most children are continent by age three.
Cite this Entry
“Continent.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/continent. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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