Island: meaning, definitions and examples

An island is a landmass surrounded by water, larger than a key or an atoll, and suitable for general use in most contexts.

• We spent our vacation exploring the beautiful island.
• Australia is the largest island and the smallest continent in the world.

Isle is a poetic or old-fashioned way to refer to a small island. Often used in literature or when speaking romantically or nostalgically.

• The poet wrote about the serene isle where he found peace.
• They planned a getaway to a remote isle in the Caribbean.

A key is a term used primarily in the Caribbean and American coasts to describe a small, low-elevation island, often sandy and formed on a coral reef. Suitable for travel and geographic discussions.

• Key West is one of the most famous keys in Florida.
• We anchored our boat near the small key to enjoy the afternoon.

An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef or a series of coral islands surrounding a lagoon. Used in discussions about marine life, coral reefs, and tropical locations.

• The Maldives is famous for its stunning atolls.
• Scientists are studying the coral atoll to understand the effects of climate change.

A piece of land surrounded by water, typically larger and can support diverse ecosystems and human habitation. Used in general to describe any sizable landmass surrounded by water.

• Hawaii is a beautiful island in the Pacific Ocean
• They are planning to visit the island this summer

A very small island, especially one that is too small to support human habitation. Often used in contexts of natural features rather than places people live.

• We paddled our kayaks around the islets dotting the coastline
• The birds made their nests on the remote islet

A small, low-elevation sandy island on the surface of a coral reef. Often found in tropical waters and popular for beach trips and diving.

• They went on a diving expedition to explore the cays of the Bahamas
• The cay was surrounded by crystal-clear water

A small island or islet, typically found in rivers or lakes, often used in the context of specific geographical regions such as Scandinavian countries.

• The village is located on a holme in the middle of the river
• Holme Pierrepont is a popular area for outdoor activities in the UK