oasis

noun

oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs 

plural oases ō-ˈā-ˌsēz 

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

Moreover, a colleague at the Oman Botanic Garden told us that collards are grown in oases gardens in the Hajar mountains of Oman. —Abderrahim Ouarghidi, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025

Two new oasis two-bedroom beach villas come with water slides that offer a whimsical way to connect the second floor to a private pool, effortlessly blending luxury with playful indulgence. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Step outside your door and into Carmel’s Mission Trail, where scenic views, oak groves, and serene pathways create the perfect extension of your backyard oasis. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025

The spa is a serene oasis, with seven luxurious treatment rooms, a hair and nail salon overlooking the Atlantic, steam rooms, an infinity pool, and cliffside hot tub. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for oasis

• basis
• glacis
• mesas
• stasis
• anabasis
• cholestasis
• haemostasis
• hemostasis
• hypostasis
• atelectasis
• bronchiectasis
• homeostasis

Kids Definition

oasis

noun

oa·​sis ō-ˈā-səs 

plural oases -ˈā-ˌsēz 

1

: a fertile or green spot in a desert

2

: something or some place that provides refreshing relief