Tarawa

[ tuh-rah-wuh, tar-uh-wah, tah-rah-wah ]
/ təˈrɑ wə, ˈtær əˌwɑ, ˈtɑ rɑˌwɑ /

noun

one of the Gilbert Islands, in the central Pacific; capital, since 1979, of the independent nation of Kiribati: U.S. victory over Japanese forces after severe fighting, November, 1943. 14 sq. mi. (36 sq. km).

Definition for tarawa (2 of 2)

Kiribati
[ keer-ee-bah-tee, keer-uh-bas ]
/ ˌkɪər iˈbɑ ti, ˈkɪər əˌbæs /

noun

a republic in the central Pacific Ocean, on the equator, comprising 33 islands. 263 sq. mi. (681 sq. km). Capital: Tarawa.
Formerly Gilbert Islands.

Example sentences from the Web for tarawa

British Dictionary definitions for tarawa (1 of 2)

Tarawa
/ (təˈrɑːwə) /

noun

an atoll in Kiribati, occupying a chain of islets surrounding a lagoon in the W central Pacific: the capital of Kiribati, Bairiki, is on this atoll. Pop: 45 989 (2005)

British Dictionary definitions for tarawa (2 of 2)

Kiribati
/ (ˌkɪrɪˈbæs, ˌkɪrɪˈbætɪ) /

noun

an independent republic in the W Pacific: comprises 33 islands including Banaba (Ocean Island), the Gilbert and Phoenix Islands, and eight of the Line Islands; part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands until 1975; became self-governing in 1977 and gained full independence in 1979 as the Republic of Kiribati; a member of the Commonwealth. Official languages: English, I-Kiribati (Gilbertese) is widely spoken. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Australian dollar. Capital: Bairiki islet, in Tarawa atoll. Pop: 103 248 (2013 est). Area: 684 sq km (264 sq miles)