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mainland
noun
main·land
ˈmān-ˌland
-lənd
: a continent or the main part of a continent as distinguished from an offshore island or sometimes from a cape or peninsula
Examples of mainland in a Sentence
the boat back to the mainland leaves once every two days
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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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 7 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
mainland
noun
main·land
ˈmān-ˌland
-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
-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
Nglish: Translation of mainland for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of mainland for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mainland
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