Tuvalu
[ too-vuh-loo, too-vah-loo ]
/ ˈtu vəˌlu, tuˈvɑ lu /
noun
a parliamentary state consisting of a group of islands in the central Pacific, S of the equator: a former British colony; gained independence 1978. 10 sq. mi. (26 sq. km). Capital: Funafuti.
Formerly
Ellice Islands,
Lagoon Islands.
OTHER WORDS FROM Tuvalu
Tu·va·lu·an, adjective, nounExample sentences from the Web for tuvalu
The couple fly home from Tuvalu, where they are completing their royal tour, later today.
William and Kate donned grass skirts and got their funk on in Tuvalu today, on the last day of their royal tour.
The Solomon islands and Tuvalu still count the Queen as head of state.
When the Queen and Prince Philip visited Tuvalu in 1982, Her Majesty was carried ashore in a canoe by locals.
British Dictionary definitions for tuvalu
Tuvalu
/ (ˌtuːvəˈluː) /
noun
a country in the SW Pacific, comprising a group of nine coral islands: established as a British protectorate in 1892. From 1915 until 1975 the islands formed part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands; achieved full independence in 1978; a member of the Commonwealth (formerly a special member not represented at all meetings, until 2000). Languages: English and Tuvaluan. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Australian dollar; Tuvalu dollars are also used. Capital: Funafuti. Pop: 10 698 (2013 est). Area: 26 sq km (10 sq miles)
Former names: Lagoon Islands, Ellice Islands