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Definition of netherlands
netherlands
/ˈnɛð.ɚ.ləndz/
neth · er · lands
Adjective:Netherlandic
netherlands Lexical Profile
CEFR
A2
Grade
4
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
• noun
1
A country located in northwestern Europe, bordering Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest, known for its flat landscape, canals, and historic windmills.
Example
"She studied international law at a prestigious university in the Netherlands."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for netherlandsWord Nuance & Usage
Although plural in form, 'the Netherlands' takes a singular verb. It is frequently conflated with 'Holland', which strictly refers only to two of its twelve provinces.
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle Dutch 'Nederlanden', meaning 'low countries', referring to the nation's low elevation and flat topography, with much of its land situated below sea level.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Netherlands. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/netherlands