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

But one company has found a way to harness the harsh conditions of the Arabian peninsula and grow fresh food all year round. —Mike Scott, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Multiple great white sharks have pinged off the coasts of Florida in recent weeks as spring break tourists descend on the peninsula. —Kim Luciani, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025

The clubhouse sits on a knoll over a four-acre peninsula, surrounded by water. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2025

Football fairy dust has already been sprinkled in Brittany this season thanks to Brest’s exploits in the Champions League and although Les Pirates’ continental adventure has now come to an end, the western peninsula is well represented in the Coupe de France. —Tom Williams, The Athletic, 24 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