peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə  -shə-lə 

: 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

pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lər 

-shə-lər

adjective

Synonyms

• arm
• cape
• foreland
• headland
• ness
• point
• promontory
• spit

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

The researchers found that another sharp increase occurred about 2,150 years ago, which coincides with the Roman conquest of the Greek peninsula in around 146 B.C.E. —Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025

Now, in the face of a population decline, the economy of the peninsula depends on the largess of the Russian federal budget. —Andrew Kosenko, Foreign Affairs, 5 Feb. 2025

California landslide appears to leave 3 multimillion-dollar homes teetering on edge of cliff Some of the peninsula is part of an ancient complex of landslides that has been moving for at least the past six decades, according to NASA. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2025

Enjoy the views across the Catawba Valley from the base of Dragon’s Tooth or climb to the top of the distinctive outcrop for scenic panoramas. 12 of 20 Cape Charles Set on the southern tip of the peninsula known as Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Cape Charles boasts relaxing vibes and small town appeal. —Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 2 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin paeninsula, from paene almost + insula island

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peninsula

• insole
• insula

Kids Definition

peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə  -ˈnin-chə-lə 

: a piece of land nearly surrounded by water or sticking out into the water

peninsular

-s(ə-)lər 

-chə-lər

adjective

Etymology

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