rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypeninsulaLand almost surrounded by water
noun

peninsula

puh-NIN-suh-luh/pəˈnɪnsələ/

Land almost surrounded by water but connected to a larger landmass.

The peninsula joins the mainland by a neck while water surrounds three sides.

An elevated view of a broad, rounded tongue of land surrounded by water on three sides, with an unmistakable continuous neck joining it to a larger mainland.
Etymology
penLatinalmost
+insulaLatinisland

A peninsula is literally “almost an island”: water nearly surrounds it, but its connection to a larger landmass keeps it from being a true island.

In context

The Histories0:00
When we think of Italy in antiquity, we invariably think of the Romans, a people needing no explanation, who grew to dominate not only this peninsula, jutting out into the water of the Mediterranean
Who were the Etruscans?

More examples

  • A narrow strip of land connects the peninsula to the mainland.
  • We can see the lake from both sides of the peninsula.
  • Florida and Baja California are large peninsulas.

Forms

peninsula · peninsulas

peninsular adjective — Relating to or forming a peninsula.

Similar words

cape
A projecting point of land, often smaller than a peninsula.
headland
Usually a high coastal point, not an entire peninsula.