mainland

noun

main·​land ˈmān-ˌland How to pronounce mainland (audio)
-lənd
: a continent or the main part of a continent as distinguished from an offshore island or sometimes from a cape or peninsula
mainlander noun

Examples of mainland in a Sentence

the boat back to the mainland leaves once every two days
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 drama kicks off when one of the young islanders journeys to the mainland, where uncomfortable truths lie in wait. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025 The street is named for developer John Collins, who helped build up Miami Beach and connect it to the mainland. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 30 July 2025 Puerto Rico is famous for its clear, turquoise waters (even more so around beaches in the west, south, and the islands off the coast of the mainland). Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 27 July 2025 The second-highest number of applications hailed from mainland China, with just 26. Alison Boleyn, Robb Report, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mainland

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mainland was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Mainland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainland. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

mainland

noun
main·​land ˈmān-ˌland How to pronounce mainland (audio)
-lənd
: a continent or the main part of a continent as distinguished from an offshore island or sometimes from a cape or peninsula
mainlander noun

Geographical Definition

Mainland

geographical name

Main·​land ˈmān-ˌland How to pronounce Mainland (audio)
-lənd
1
2
island in northern Scotland; largest of the Orkney Islands
3
island in northern Scotland; largest of the Shetland Islands

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