Holme Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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holme

[həʊm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

place

A holme is a small island or piece of firm land in a fen or marsh, often slightly raised above the water level.

Synonyms

island, islet, marshland.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
holme	This term is mostly used in British English to refer to a small island or a piece of flat ground near a river that is sometimes submerged. The cattle grazed on the holme, safe from the flooding river During the dry season, visitors can walk to the holme without getting wet

Word

Description / Examples

holme

This term is mostly used in British English to refer to a small island or a piece of flat ground near a river that is sometimes submerged.

The cattle grazed on the holme, safe from the flooding river
During the dry season, visitors can walk to the holme without getting wet

Examples of usage

The river was dotted with picturesque holmes.
The birds nested on the holme in the middle of the marsh.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

British

A piece of land in or near a village or town, especially one used as a recreational area.

Synonyms

common, green, recreation ground.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
holme	This word refers to a small island, especially one found in a river or a lake, and is most often used in British English. It is an older term that is not commonly used in casual conversation. The family owned a holme in the middle of the river where they often went for picnics
green	Green refers to an area of grass, especially in the center of a village. It can be used to describe public parks or spaces where people can meet and enjoy outdoor activities. They held the annual village fair on the green
recreation ground	This term is used to describe a large area of grass or open land set aside for people to engage in sports and other recreational activities. It often includes facilities like playgrounds, courts, or fields. The local council upgraded the recreation ground to include new tennis courts and a children's play area
common	Common refers to a piece of land owned collectively by a community or available for public use. It is often open space in a town or city where people can gather, play, or relax. The children played soccer on the village common every afternoon

Examples of usage

The village green was a popular holme for picnics and games.
The children played football on the holme by the church.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geographical Significance

Holmes often serve as breeding grounds for wildlife, providing habitats for birds and aquatic species.
Many historical villages in England, like those along the Thames, are built near holmes for access to fishing and farming.
Hiking and nature trails often include routes that pass through holmes, making them popular for outdoor activities.

Literature and Culture

In literature, a holme can symbolize a safe haven, representing peace away from bustling cities.
The presence of holmes in folklore often ties them to legendary creatures or events, enriching local myths.
Holmes appear in poetry to evoke imagery of tranquility, linking human experiences with nature.

Ecology

Holmes play an important role in wetland ecosystems, filtering contaminants and supporting biodiversity.
They act as natural flood defenses, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall.
The unique vegetation found on holmes contributes to the overall health of surrounding waterways.

Modern Usage

The term 'holme' is often used in place names throughout the UK, indicating a historical significance in the landscape.
In contemporary landscapes, urban planners recognize the importance of incorporating holmes for stormwater management.
Holmes are featured in many outdoor recreational activities, promoting awareness of natural conservation.

Origin of 'holme'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from Old Norse 'holmr', which means 'island' or 'river island'.
In Middle English, 'holme' referred to land that was frequently flooded, emphasizing its connection to water.
The term has entered local dialects, especially in areas of the UK, to denote small islands or patches of land.

The word 'holme' originated from Old English 'holm' meaning 'a small island'. Over time, it evolved to also refer to a piece of land near a village or town. The term has been used in British English for centuries to describe both natural and man-made areas of land. Today, 'holme' is primarily used in the context of geography and land management.