mainland
n. uncountable C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈmeɪnˌɫænd// UK //mˈeɪnlənd// main·land
n. the main part of a country or continent, not including the islands around it. You use this when you are on an island and want to talk about the larger land nearby.
n. the principal landmass of a country or continent, as distinguished from adjacent islands or peninsulas.
We took a ferry from the island back to the mainland.
Living on a small island is peaceful, but we have to travel to the mainland for major medical appointments.
The bridge project aims to provide a permanent physical link between the isolated coastal communities and the economic opportunities of the mainland.
Usage
Usually used with the definite article 'the'.