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Definition of island

island

/ˈaɪ.lənd/
is · land

Plural:islands
•
Adjective:insular
•
Past Simple:islanded
•
Past Participle:islanded
•
Present Participle:islanding
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island Lexical Profile

island Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A continuous tract of land, smaller than a continent, that is completely surrounded by water.

Example

"We spent our vacation exploring a tropical island in the Caribbean."


2

A freestanding counter or cabinet structure located centrally in a kitchen, typically providing additional workspace or seating.

Example

"The newly renovated kitchen features a large marble island where the family eats breakfast."


3

An isolated group, area, or entity functioning independently from or standing out against its surroundings.

Example

"The small park served as an island of tranquility in the bustling metropolis."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To isolate, separate, or set apart from surrounding influences.

Example

"The eccentric author islanded himself in a remote cabin to finish his manuscript."


2

To make into an island; to cause a piece of land to be completely surrounded by water.

Example

"The severe flooding islanded several rural farming communities for days."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

The 's' in 'island' is silent, an artificial spelling insertion from the 15th century due to a false historical association with the unrelated word 'isle'.

• Rhymes for island

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'īegland' (meaning 'watery land' or 'island'). The 's' was inserted in the 15th century by writers mistakenly believing the word was related to the Old French 'isle' (which comes from Latin 'insula').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Island. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/island
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