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 The Castro regime has profited at the expense of the Cuban people with luxury cars, expensive watches and a private island resort. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026 Some in the Bahamas hope his visit will draw attention to an ongoing environmental struggle on an island that forms part of the Exuma cays. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 Rossellini was highly suspicious of all press and kicked most media members off the island while shooting his film, which was also called Stromboli. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026 It was made plain that anyone disclosing the destruction of 007, in a missile attack on a remote island, would earn a visit from a tarantula, or worse. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 26 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
  • Researchers from the Archaeological Legacy Institute and Purdue University embarked this month on the Taraia Object expedition in Nikumaroro, an uninhabited coral atoll in the Phoenix Islands belonging to the Republic of Kiribati.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about island

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