noun
island
EYE-lund/ˈaɪlənd/
A distinct area of land encircled by water.
Blue water surrounds the small grassy island on every side.
Etymology
The compound is effectively “island-land”: the first piece already meant an island. Adding “land” distinguished it from similar-sounding words, especially the Old English word for water.
In context
the island was half a mile from the shore besides its enormous walls rising perpendicularly out of the water it was defended by ships well armed and manned
More examples
- A bridge connects the island to the mainland.
- Several small islands lie in the middle of the lake.
- We paddle around the island before lunch.
Forms
island · islands
islander noun — A person who lives on an island.
Similar words
- islet
- Specifically refers to a very small island.
- isle
- Means the same thing but sounds literary or poetic.