# Netherlands

/ˈnɛðɝɫəndz/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the country

noun · CEFR A1

a country in Western Europe known for its flat land, canals, and tulips.

For teachers: a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in Western Europe and bordering Germany and Belgium.

- We are planning a trip to the Netherlands to see the tulip fields in the spring.
- The Netherlands is internationally recognised for its innovative water management systems and its historically significant maritime trade routes.

Usage: Always used with the definite article 'the' and takes a singular verb when referring to the nation.

Teaching tip: While many people use 'Holland' to mean the whole country, it technically only refers to two specific provinces. In formal contexts, always use 'the Netherlands'.

### 2. body parts

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Humorous

a humorous or indirect way to talk about someone's bottom or private parts.

For teachers: a slang term referring to the human crotch, genitals, or buttocks.

- He took a painful hit to the netherlands during the football match.
- The comedian made a series of crude jokes regarding his 'netherlands' that left the audience feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Usage: Always plural in this sense.

Teaching tip: This is a play on the word 'nether' meaning 'lower'. It is informal and can be seen as slightly vulgar or immature depending on the company.

## Examples

- The Netherlands is famous for its beautiful flower fields.
- Many people visit the Netherlands in the spring to see the tulips in bloom and explore the historic canals of Amsterdam.
- The Netherlands has a long history of innovative water management, with much of its territory reclaimed from the sea through an intricate system of dikes and pumping stations.

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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.