island

noun

ˈī-lənd How to pronounce island (audio)
Definition of islandnext
as in isle
a fairly small area of land completely surrounded by water the island of Hawaii is the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of island The cruise features an early stop at Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, which just opened its new water park, making for a fun day in the sun. — Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026 The center is relatively small, but the whole archipelago, known as Skärgården, comprises over 30,000 islands. — Riza Cruz, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 Ancient oyster beds and rocky islands Perhaps the best way to experience West Sweden is on the water. — Natasha Langan, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026 Videos also show survivors jumping from a rocky island and swimming to Coast Guard rescue swimmers treading rough seas. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for island
Recent Examples of Synonyms for island
  1. isle
  2. atoll
Noun
  • Consider the Greek isles off-season or an accessible English quietcation.
    — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Their differences come to a head when Swiftie Kira plans to celebrate her birthday on Friday the 13th with a trip to the 13 isles of the Grenadines with her 13 best girlfriends and expects Ben to be present.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of isle
Noun
  • Seychelles The Seychelles, the smallest country in Africa, is considered a premier fly-fishing destination for its remote outer atolls.
    — Betsy Donley, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Colonial powers reshaped many atolls, removing native forests to plant fast-growing coconut palm plantations.
    — NPR, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of atoll

Browse Nearby Words

is friends with
island
islands
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Cite this Entry

“Island.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/island. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on island

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about island

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