Philippines

[ fil-uh-peenz, fil-uh-peenz ]
/ ˈfɪl əˌpinz, ˌfɪl əˈpinz /

noun (used with a plural verb)

an archipelago of 7083 islands in the Pacific, SE of China: formerly (1898–1946) under the guardianship of the U.S.; now an independent republic. 114,830 sq. mi. (297,410 sq. km). Capital: Manila.
Also called Philippine Islands. Formerly Commonwealth of the Philippines. Official name Republic of the Philippines.

Example sentences from the Web for philippines

British Dictionary definitions for philippines

Philippines
/ (ˈfɪlɪˌpiːnz, ˌfɪlɪˈpiːnz) /

noun

Republic of the Philippines (functioning as singular) a republic in SE Asia, occupying an archipelago of about 7100 islands (including Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, and Negros): became a Spanish colony in 1571 but ceded to the US in 1898 after the Spanish-American War; gained independence in 1946. The islands are generally mountainous and volcanic. Official languages: Filipino, based on Tagalog, and English. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: peso. Capital: Manila. Pop: 105 720 644 (2013 est). Area: 300 076 sq km (115 860 sq miles) Related word: Filipino

Cultural definitions for philippines

Philippines

Republic in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, comprising over seven thousand islands. Its capital and largest city is Manila.

notes for Philippines

The Spanish held control of the islands until 1898, when they were transferred to the United States after the Spanish-American War.

notes for Philippines

Named for Philip II, king of Spain during the sixteenth century.

notes for Philippines

Occupied by the Japanese during World War II, the islands were liberated by Allied troops under General Douglas MacArthur.

notes for Philippines

Although Philippine independence had long been an important political issue, the country did not gain full independence until 1946.

notes for Philippines

The country was under the virtual dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos from 1965 until 1986, when he was forced into exile in the United States.

notes for Philippines

It continues to be plagued by allegations of corruption in high places and by a Muslim insurgency.