islands

NOUN

land surrounded by body of water

Synonyms

STRONGEST

archipelago enclave isle islet peninsula reef

STRONG

atoll bar cay haven key refuge retreat sanctuary shelter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Britain indicated Saturday it would shelve plans to hand back the Chagos Islands -- which hosts a strategic US-UK military base -- after US President Donald Trump strongly criticised the deal.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Many of the vessels that cross the strait fly common shipping flags such as those of Panama, the Marshall Islands, and Malta.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

La Gomera is the second smallest of Spain's Canary Islands - it's about 50 minutes by ferry from Tenerife, the largest.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The sea lion breeding and pupping season is fast approaching at main rookeries such as the Channel Islands, according to Giancarlo Rulli, associate director of public relations for the Marine Mammal Center.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

In addition, similar extinctions occurred when human beings first invaded Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand, and the Polynesian Islands.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann