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Definition of netherlands

netherlands

/ˈnɛð.ɚ.ləndz/
neth · er · lands

Adjective:Netherlandic
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netherlands Lexical Profile

• 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."

Word 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
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