Mainland

Definition

The principal landmass of a country or continent, as distinguished from offshore islands and associated territories.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmeɪnˌlænd/
• Respelling: MAYN-land (with "MAYN" as in "main" and "land" as in "land")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmeɪnˌlænd/
• Respelling: MAYN-land (with "MAYN" as in "main" and "land" as in "land")

In both dialects, "mainland" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MAYN." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MAYN-land."

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English term "maynelond", where "mayne" is an alteration of "main", from Old English "mǣgen" meaning "strength, main" and "land".

Derivatives

• Mainlander
• Mainlandic
• Mainlandish
• Mainland-bound
• Mainland-wards

Synonyms

• Continent
• Main
• Motherland

Antonyms

• Island
• Islet
• Archipelago

Usage

The term "mainland" is commonly used to distinguish the primary landmass of a region from its offshore islands. For example, "mainland Europe" distinguishes the continental part of Europe from its islands.

• Though she loved visiting the islands, her home was always on the mainland.
• Trade between the mainland and the islands has been increasing over the years.

Related Terms

• Peninsula
• Territory
• Isthmus
• Plateau
• Landmass

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The primary contiguous landmass of any region, country, or continent, usually contrasted with nearby islands or territories.
• Example: The mainland of Greece is mountainous, differing from its numerous islands.

• The part of a country or continent that is furthest from any islands.
• Example: She decided to leave her island home and move to the mainland for more opportunities.

• A term specifically contrasting an area with a nearby island.
• Example: Travelers often take the ferry from the mainland to the island for vacation.