What does island mean?
An island is a naturally occurring area of land surrounded by water, whether it is a small rocky outcrop or a large landmass with its own communities and institutions. The word is common in geographical, political, and cultural contexts: an island nation may be a sovereign state located on an island, and a city or village may be described as an island when it is surrounded by water. Figuratively, an island can be a secure, isolated, or distinct place within a larger environment, as in an island of calm. Island is used in both British and American English. Related forms include islander, meaning a person from an island, and islandlike, meaning resembling an island. The word is also occasionally used as a literary or archaic verb meaning to isolate or set apart, but its modern dominant use is unquestionably as a noun.
A landmass surrounded by water; figuratively, an isolated or distinct place within a larger whole.
"The island has its own language, cuisine, and traditional festivals."
The figurative use is common and can describe people, places, conditions, or groups separated from a surrounding environment.
To isolate or set apart from others.
"The scholar remained islanded within his own line of research."
This use is archaic and chiefly literary.
The standard plural form is islands; its possessive form is island's.
"The islands are connected by a network of ferries."
The word began as Old English īegland, literally “island land,” because an island is defined by its relationship to water.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of island
Island descends from Old English īegland, literally “island land,” formed from īeg, “island,” and land. The Old English element īeg is related to archaic ey and to the now-obsolete eyot, a small island. The modern form reflects the development of Old English vowel sounds and the gradual replacement of related forms such as isle.
Related word forms
How island is actually used
Island is neutral in register and common in both British and American English. Isle is more literary or formal, while islet usually denotes a very small island. The noun is regularly pluralized as islands.
Easily confused with island
An islet is a small island, while island is the general term for any landmass surrounded by water.