# Holland

/ˈhɑɫənd/ (US) · CEFR A2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a common name for the Netherlands, a country in Western Europe. While it technically refers to only two parts of the country, many people use it to mean the whole nation.

For teachers: a common informal designation for the Netherlands. Strictly speaking, it refers to the provinces of North and South Holland, but it is frequently used as a synecdoche for the entire sovereign state.

## Examples

- We are going to Holland for our summer holiday.
- Many tourists visit Holland in the spring to see the famous tulip fields and historic windmills.
- Although the official name of the country is the Netherlands, the national tourism board often uses the name Holland to capitalise on its international recognition and historical prestige.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the Holland" but "Holland" — When using Holland to refer to the country, do not use 'the' before it, unlike 'the Netherlands'.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the definite article when referring to the specific provinces, but used without an article when functioning as a synonym for the country.

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