# Madagascar

/ˌmædəˈɡæskɝ/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a large island country in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa. It is famous for its unique animals, like lemurs, and plants that are not found anywhere else.

For teachers: a sovereign island nation in the Indian Ocean, situated approximately 400 kilometres off the coast of East Africa. Known for its high levels of biodiversity and unique endemic species.

## Examples

- Madagascar is home to many species of lemurs.
- Researchers travel to Madagascar to study rare plants that only grow in its tropical forests.
- The geological isolation of Madagascar from the African mainland millions of years ago allowed for the evolution of a distinct ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth.

## Usage notes

- Proper noun; always capitalized and typically used without a definite article.

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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.