mainland

[ meyn-land, -luh nd ]
/ ˈmeɪnˌlænd, -lənd /

noun

the principal land of a country, region, etc., as distinguished from adjacent islands or a peninsula: the mainland of Greece.
(in Hawaii) the 48 contiguous states of the U.S.

Origin of mainland

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at main1, land

Definition for mainland (2 of 2)

Mainland
[ meyn-land, -luh nd ]
/ ˈmeɪnˌlænd, -lənd /

noun

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

Example sentences from the Web for mainland

British Dictionary definitions for mainland (1 of 2)

mainland
/ (ˈmeɪnlənd) /

noun

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

Derived forms of mainland

mainlander, noun

British Dictionary definitions for mainland (2 of 2)

Mainland
/ (ˈmeɪnlənd) /

noun

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)
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)
the Mainland NZ a South Islanders' name for South Island