# continental

/ˌkɑntəˈnɛnəɫ/ (US) · /kˌɒntɪnˈɛntəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/continental
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. relating to a continent

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to one of the large landmasses of the world, like Africa or Asia.

For teachers: of or relating to a continent or continents in a general geographical sense.

- The movement of continental plates can cause powerful earthquakes over millions of years.
- Scientists studied the continental shelf to better understand the transition between the mainland and the deep ocean floor.

### 2. mainland Europe

adjective · CEFR B2 · British English

relating to the main part of Europe, not including islands like the UK or Ireland.

For teachers: characteristic of or relating to mainland Europe as distinct from the British Isles or other offshore islands.

- We enjoyed a traditional continental breakfast with coffee and croissants at the hotel.
- Many British travellers prefer the continental climate of southern France for their summer holidays.

### 3. US Revolutionary War

adjective · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

relating to the American colonies during the time they fought for independence from Britain.

For teachers: relating to the thirteen colonies of British North America during the American Revolutionary War period.

- The Continental Congress met to discuss the future of the new nation.
- General Washington led the Continental Army through several harsh winters before securing a final victory.

### 4. a person from mainland Europe

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

a person who comes from the main part of Europe.

For teachers: a person living in or coming from mainland Europe.

- The café was a popular meeting spot for locals and Continentals alike.
- As a Continental, he found the British obsession with the weather quite amusing during his first year in London.

### 5. historical US currency

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Archaic

a piece of paper money used in America during the Revolutionary War.

For teachers: a piece of paper scrip issued by the Continental Congress, which lost most of its value by the end of the war.

- By the end of the war, the paper continental was worth almost nothing.
- The phrase 'not worth a continental' became a common American idiom for items of zero value due to the currency's rapid inflation.

Usage: Often used in the idiom 'not worth a continental' to mean something is worthless.

## Examples

- The hotel serves a light continental breakfast.
- Many British travelers enjoy the continental lifestyle, especially the habit of eating dinner late in the evening.
- The philosopher's work is deeply rooted in the continental tradition, focusing more on existential questions than the analytical approach favored by his peers in London.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.