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

Photo : Marc Angeles A small yet stylish kitchen comes with an eat-in peninsula and Viking appliances. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2024

Space Launch Delta 45's weather squadron forecasts a 60% chance for good launch conditions as a front moves though the Florida peninsula on Sunday. —Richard Tribou Orlando Sentinel (tns), arkansasonline.com, 30 Dec. 2024

The result will be more of a frozen conflict than a durable peace—perhaps resembling the situation on the Korean peninsula. —Shane Croucher, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024

Family-owned and part of Relais & Chateaux, the inn spans 40 acres on a private peninsula. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 26 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