# Papua

/ˈpæpjuə/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a large island in the Pacific Ocean, north of Australia. It is divided into two parts: the country of Papua New Guinea and a region belonging to Indonesia.

For teachers: the second-largest island in the world, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. When used alone, it may refer to the entire island, the independent state of Papua New Guinea, or the Indonesian provinces on the western half.

## Examples

- Many unique birds live in the forests of Papua.
- Researchers traveled to Papua to study the diverse languages spoken by the local communities in the highlands.
- The biological diversity of Papua remains one of the most significant on the planet, containing vast tracts of rainforest that house species found nowhere else in the world.

## Usage notes

- Usually functions as a proper noun; typically used without an article unless referring to a specific administrative region.

---

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.