peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio) -shə-lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio)
Synonyms of peninsulanext
: a portion of land nearly surrounded by water and connected with a larger body by an isthmus
also : a piece of land jutting out into the water whether with or without a well-defined isthmus
the Italian peninsula
peninsular
pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lər How to pronounce peninsula (audio)
-shə-lər
adjective

Synonyms of peninsula

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Examples of peninsula in a Sentence

They built their house on a narrow peninsula. the peninsula is constantly buffeted by storms
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For Michigan, the forecast is essentially divided up between the two peninsulas, but the throughline appears to be milder temperatures and below-average snowfall. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2026 The medieval town of Peñíscola, with its 14th-century castle and fortified walls that rise from a rocky peninsula, was cinematic enough to serve as a filming location for Game of Thrones. — Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 The southern Sinai peninsula is a popular tourist destination, with many travelers visiting the region to snorkel and dive in the Red Sea, the outlet reported. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 Swells generated by the storm were expected to affect parts of the coast in southwestern Mexico and the Baja California peninsula over the next few days. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for peninsula

Word History

Etymology

Latin paeninsula, from paene almost + insula island

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peninsula was circa 1552

Rhymes for peninsula

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Browse Nearby Words

pen in
peninsula
peninsula pine
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Cite this Entry

“Peninsula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peninsula. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

peninsula

noun
pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio) -ˈnin-chə-lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio)
: a piece of land nearly surrounded by water or sticking out into the water
peninsular
-s(ə-)lər How to pronounce peninsula (audio)
-chə-lər
adjective
Etymology

from Latin paeninsula "peninsula," from paene- "almost" and insula "island" — related to insulate, isle, isolate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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