oasis

noun

oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs How to pronounce oasis (audio)
plural oases ō-ˈā-ˌsēz How to pronounce oasis (audio)
Synonyms of oasis
1
: a fertile or green area in an arid region (such as a desert)
The caravan stopped to rest at an oasis.
2
: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast
The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories.

Examples of oasis in a Sentence

The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories. Our brief trip to the beach was a much-needed oasis in a summer of hard work.
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.
The moment at Kauffman Stadium was part of a reprieve, if not exactly an oasis, at a dismal time for the Royals. — Vahe Gregorian july 5, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026 The five-star resort—which has an adults-only policy, welcoming guests aged 14 years and above—is an oasis, especially in peak season when the lakeside is crammed with crowds. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 What Attracts Mosquitoes to Backyards Feel like mosquitoes are flocking to your outdoor oasis? — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026 Outdoors, meanwhile, the grassy grounds are anchored by a 45-foot-by-12-foot heated gunite swimming pool, creating a private oasis just steps from the heart of the village. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for oasis

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin Oasis, referring to the Great Oasis of Kharge in the Libyan Desert of Egypt, borrowed from Greek Óasis (Herodotus), borrowed from Egyptian wḥꜢ.t "fertile area in the desert"

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oasis was in 1613

Rhymes for oasis

See All Rhymes for oasis

Browse Nearby Words

OASI
oasis
oasitic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oasis. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oasis

noun
oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs How to pronounce oasis (audio)
plural oases -ˈā-ˌsēz How to pronounce oasis (audio)
1
: a fertile or green spot in a desert
2
: something or some place that provides refreshing relief

More from Merriam-Webster on oasis

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for oasis

Nglish: Translation of oasis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oasis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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