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 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

Word History

Etymology

Latin paeninsula, from paene almost + insula island

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

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