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Definition of mainland

mainland

/ˈmeɪn.lænd/
main · land
Plural:mainlands
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mainland Lexical Profile

mainland Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Belonging to or characteristic of the principal landmass of a country or continent, as opposed to an island.

Example

"The researchers found that the coastal bird species differ significantly from their mainland relatives."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

The principal landmass of a continent or country, excluding adjacent islands and peninsulas.

Example

"After a relaxing week on the remote island, we took a ferry back to the mainland to catch our flight home."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

mail
mailbox
main
mainland
mainmast
mainsail
mainspring

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'maynland', combining 'main' (principal, chief) and 'land'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mainland. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mainland
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