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.
Authorities had warned of volcanic activity as magma accumulated beneath the peninsula, about 20 miles southwest of Reykjavik, Reuters reported. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 The Canadian company’s 645-mile pipeline carries oil products from across northern Wisconsin through Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas to Sarnia, Ontario. Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024 The storm also is expected to spawn some tornadoes, which could hit the Florida Keys and the far southwest parts of the Florida peninsula through Wednesday night. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 His district covers a wide swath of the lower peninsula, and includes Ludington, Mt. Pleasant, Clare, Caledonia and Ionia. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 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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