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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
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index started the trading session 0.66% higher, while mainland China’s CSI 300 index was flat.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Alaska is also adjusting the two airlines’ schedules between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland to offer travelers more options.
—Edward Russell, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024
Taiwan said on Tuesday that China had deployed its largest naval force close to the self-governing island more than 100 miles from Chinese mainland in nearly 30 years.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
There are now 65 across the mainland, where actress Zhao Liying (who has over 90 million Weibo fans) has been promoted to global brand ambassador.
—Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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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 21 Dec. 2024.
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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