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.

The Philippines invokes its geographical proximity to the Spratly Islands as the main basis of its claim for part of the grouping.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

The Paracel and Spratly Islands are also believed to sit atop stores of natural resources and potential energy reserves.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Britain kept control of the Chagos Islands after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s.

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

With the occupation of the Chatham Islands off New Zealand around A.D.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond