island

noun

ˈī-lənd How to pronounce island (audio)
Definition of islandnext
as in isle
a fairly small area of land completely surrounded by water the island of Hawaii is the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of island Contributing factors also include land clearances using fire in the Indonesian part of Borneo and regions of Sumatra island, as well as water shortages that have hampered Indonesian firefighters, who have received assistance from Japan. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 The extreme rainfall overran the town’s drainage and transformed Nederland into an island. — Zachary Handlos, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 Under the new zoning, there would be just two districts for the island — one district focused on developments along the island’s edge, and the other focused on developments inside its core. — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 Marina falls in love with Greek shipowner Yannis, played by Andreas Konstantinou (Milky Way), and joins him in starting a new life on the idyllic island of Syros. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for island
Recent Examples of Synonyms for island
  1. isle
  2. atoll
Noun
  • Consider the Greek isles off-season or an accessible English quietcation.
    — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Their differences come to a head when Swiftie Kira plans to celebrate her birthday on Friday the 13th with a trip to the 13 isles of the Grenadines with her 13 best girlfriends and expects Ben to be present.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of isle
Noun
  • While it was likely visited by Polynesians who crossed the Pacific on seafaring voyages, the atoll wasn't permanently inhabited.
    — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026
  • More than 180,000 giant tortoises roaming freely on our atoll is proof of what long-term commitment to conservation can achieve.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of atoll

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is friends with
island
islands
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Cite this Entry

“Island.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/island. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about island

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