peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio) -shə-lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio)
: a portion of land nearly surrounded by water and connected with a larger body by an isthmus
also : a piece of land jutting out into the water whether with or without a well-defined isthmus
the Italian peninsula
peninsular adjective

Examples of peninsula in a Sentence

They built their house on a narrow peninsula. the peninsula is constantly buffeted by storms
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.
The Post said the power vacuum could compromise Seoul's ability to respond to possible changes in trade policy given President-elect Donald Trump's threats to seek higher tariffs and suggestion that South Korea should pay high amounts for the 30,000 American troops on the peninsula. Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024 Healing from the inside-out at Euphoria Retreat, Greece Hidden away in Greece’s olive-rich Peloponnese peninsula, Euphoria Retreat has recently launched 360-degree Euphoria Methodos Advanced Medical Programs. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 As British forces and their allies crowded Gadsden’s Wharf on the city’s eastern peninsula, thousands of people enslaved by retreating Loyalists scrambled for space aboard a fleet of 130 ships. Kinsey Gidick, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024 North Country National Scenic Trail spans eight states, including more than 1,100 miles in Michigan through urban and rural areas in the upper and lower peninsulas. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for peninsula 

Word History

Etymology

Latin paeninsula, from paene almost + insula island

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peninsula was circa 1552

Dictionary Entries Near peninsula

Cite this Entry

“Peninsula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peninsula. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

peninsula

noun
pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio) -ˈnin-chə-lə How to pronounce peninsula (audio)
: a piece of land nearly surrounded by water or sticking out into the water
peninsular
-s(ə-)lər How to pronounce peninsula (audio)
-chə-lər
adjective
Etymology

from Latin paeninsula "peninsula," from paene- "almost" and insula "island" — related to insulate, isle, isolate

More from Merriam-Webster on peninsula

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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