atoll

noun

ˈa-ˌtȯl How to pronounce atoll (audio)
-ˌtäl,
-ˌtōl,
ˈā- How to pronounce atoll (audio)
: a coral island consisting of a reef surrounding a lagoon

Illustration of atoll

Illustration of atoll

Did you know?

If you are lucky enough to sail south and west of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, you'll find the Maldives, a group of about 1,200 coral islands and sandbanks that form the Republic of Maldives. Many islands in that independent nation demonstrate the archetypal atoll, and geographers often use them to point out the characteristic features of such coral islands. Given how prevalent atolls are there, it isn't surprising that atoll comes from the name for that kind of island in Divehi, the official language of the Maldives.

Examples of atoll in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The atoll is particularly known for its healthy coral reefs and abundant fish species. Debbi Kickham, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 The disputed atoll lies just 86 miles from the Philippines’ west coast and 745 miles from China. Hassan Tayir and Manveena Suri, CNN, 31 Aug. 2024 In contrast to Guam, Palmyra is a relatively pristine atoll that will provide sihek a safe home to thrive in and establish a breeding population, with the ultimate goal of one day returning the birds to Guam after the threat from snakes is addressed. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 Aldabra Giant Tortoise, A Centuries-Old Wanderer of the Indian Ocean On the remote atolls of the Indian Ocean, the Aldabra giant tortoise moves with slow, deliberate steps, seemingly unfazed by the passage of time. Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for atoll 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atoll.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Divehi (Indo-Aryan language of the Maldive Islands) atolu

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of atoll was in 1625

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Dictionary Entries Near atoll

Cite this Entry

“Atoll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atoll. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

atoll

noun
ˈa-ˌtȯl How to pronounce atoll (audio) -ˌtäl How to pronounce atoll (audio)
-ˌtōl,
ˈā-
: a coral island consisting of a coral reef surrounding a lagoon

More from Merriam-Webster on atoll

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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