mainland

noun

main·​land ˈmān-ˌland How to pronounce mainland (audio)
-lənd
: a continent or the main part of a continent as distinguished from an offshore island or sometimes from a cape or peninsula
mainlander noun

Examples of mainland in a Sentence

the boat back to the mainland leaves once every two days
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kyiv has successfully challenged Russia's grip on the Black Sea, close to the southern coastline of mainland Ukraine. Ellie Cook, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025 Seoul, South Korea CNN — President Donald Trump has called for an expansive, next-generation missile defense shield for the mainland United States, something modeled on Israel’s formidable defenses, typified by its signature Iron Dome system. Brad Lendon, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025 Monkey around at Cayo Santiago Nicknamed Monkey Island, Cayo Santiago is a 38-acre patch of land off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico’s mainland that’s home to roughly 400 rhesus macaques. Amy Gordon, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025 And while many of Greece’s most iconic destinations are on the mainland and peninsula, like Athens, millions of visitors flock to the country for its staggeringly beautiful islands. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mainland 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mainland was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near mainland

Cite this Entry

“Mainland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainland. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

mainland

noun
main·​land ˈmān-ˌland How to pronounce mainland (audio)
-lənd
: a continent or the main part of a continent as distinguished from an offshore island or sometimes from a cape or peninsula
mainlander noun

Geographical Definition

Mainland

geographical name

Main·​land ˈmān-ˌland How to pronounce Mainland (audio)
-lənd
1
2
island in northern Scotland; largest of the Orkney Islands
3
island in northern Scotland; largest of the Shetland Islands

More from Merriam-Webster on mainland

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