English Reference
noun

peninsula

n.
US /pəˈnɪnsəɫə/ UK /pənˈɪnsjʊlɐ/ penin·su·la UK spelling peninsula's, peninsula's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a piece of land that is mostly surrounded by water but stays connected to the main land.

    a landform projecting into a body of water from a larger landmass, typically surrounded by water on three sides.

    Simple

    Italy is a famous peninsula that looks like a boot in the sea.

    In context

    The rugged peninsula extends several miles into the Atlantic, creating a natural barrier that protects the harbour from northern swells.

    Pitfall
    The country is an peninsula. The country is a peninsula.

    Although 'peninsula' starts with a vowel letter, it begins with a consonant sound /p/, so use the article 'a'.

    capepromontoryheadland
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    a name sometimes used to talk about Spain and Portugal together.

    a proper noun ellipsis referring specifically to the Iberian Peninsula, comprising Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar.

    Simple

    Many different cultures have lived on the Peninsula over the centuries.

    In context

    Scholars often discuss the unique linguistic evolution of the Peninsula during the transition from Roman rule to the Middle Ages.

    Usage

    Usually capitalized when referring to the specific region.

    iberia
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated