oasis

noun

oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs How to pronounce oasis (audio)
plural oases ō-ˈā-ˌsēz How to pronounce oasis (audio)
1
: a fertile or green area in an arid region (such as a desert)
The caravan stopped to rest at an oasis.
2
: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast
The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories.

Examples of oasis in a Sentence

The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories. Our brief trip to the beach was a much-needed oasis in a summer of hard work.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The club was an emerald oasis with gold accents and plenty of Tres Generaciones cocktails to level up the vibe of the exclusive soiree. Evan Burke, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2024 Where to watch Season 2 in the Arizona desert oasis When is the season finale of 'The Voice'? Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 10 Dec. 2024 This restaurant on Bass Bay Lake has a patio that is an outdoor oasis during the summer, but in the winter patrons can stay cozy inside with a large stone fireplace in the middle of the dining room. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 2 Dec. 2024 Ali always decorates for the holidays early, and prides herself on finding the best affordable home accents to transform her space into a festive oasis. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oasis 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin Oasis, referring to the Great Oasis of Kharge in the Libyan Desert of Egypt, borrowed from Greek Óasis (Herodotus), borrowed from Egyptian wḥꜢ.t "fertile area in the desert"

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oasis was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near oasis

Cite this Entry

“Oasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oasis. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

oasis

noun
oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs How to pronounce oasis (audio)
plural oases -ˈā-ˌsēz How to pronounce oasis (audio)
1
: a fertile or green spot in a desert
2
: something or some place that provides refreshing relief
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!