mainland

¹

[meyn-land, -luhnd]

noun

1. the principal land of a country, region, etc., as distinguished from adjacent islands or a peninsula.

   the mainland of Greece.

2. any part of or all of the continental United States or conterminous United States, especially from the perspective of someone in a geographically detached U.S. state or territory, such as Hawaii or Guam.

   I’m not sure where on the mainland Jasmine went to college, but it may have been Milwaukee.

Mainland

²

[meyn-land, -luhnd]

noun

1. the largest of the Shetland Islands. About 200 sq. mi. (520 sq. km).

2. Pomona.

Mainland

¹

/ ˈmeɪnlənd /

noun

1. an island off N Scotland: the largest of the Shetland Islands. Chief town: Lerwick. Pop: 17 550 (2001). Area: about 583 sq km (225 sq miles)

2. Also called: Pomona. an island off N Scotland: the largest of the Orkney Islands. Chief town: Kirkwall. Pop: 15 315 (2001). Area: 492 sq km (190 sq miles)

3. a South Islanders' name for South Island

mainland

²

/ ˈmeɪnlənd /

noun

1. the main part of a land mass as opposed to an island or peninsula

2. a particular landmass as viewed from a nearby island with which it has close links, such as Great Britain as viewed from Northern Ireland or continental Australia as viewed from Tasmania

Other Word Forms

• mainlander noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mainland¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; main ¹, land

Example Sentences

One of the more eye-catching diagrams in Universal's planning documents shows a train line stretching from mainland Europe all the way to Bedford.

From BBC

The storm, which is the first hurricane the 2025 Atlantic season, is not currently forecast to make landfall on the mainland US.

From BBC

He later reappeared in mainland China in police custody.

From BBC

Another blaze near the western Greek town Vonitsa threatened homes, while four areas of the mainland also faced evacuations.

From BBC

City Hall said strong sunshine and hot weather are expected to trigger high ozone levels, with airflow from mainland Europe likely to worsen the situation.

From BBC

Related Words

• continent