Isthmus Meaning in English

word

US

ˈɪsməs

IS-mus

UK

ˈɪsθməs

IS-thmus

Definition

A narrow strip of land with water on both sides that connects two larger land areas.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in geography and earth sciences; not an everyday word. Famous examples include the Isthmus of Panama. Don’t confuse with "peninsula" (land surrounded by water on three sides) or "strait" (a narrow stretch of water, not land).

• Spanish: istmo
• Portuguese (BR): ístmo
• Portuguese (PT): ístmo
• Chinese (Simplified): 地峡
• Chinese (Traditional): 地峽
• Hindi: संकीर्ण स्थलपट्ट
• Arabic: برزخ
• Bengali: সংসংধি - স্থলসংকীর্ণ
• Russian: перешеек
• Japanese: 地峡
• Vietnamese: eo đất
• Korean: 협곡지 - 지협
• Turkish: kıstak
• Urdu: تنگہ (زمینی پٹی)
• Indonesian: tanah genting

Example Sentences

The Panama Canal crosses the isthmus of Panama.

basic

An isthmus connects two large pieces of land.

basic

A narrow isthmus separated the two bays.

basic

Without the isthmus, you’d have to sail all the way around the continent.

natural

The hotel had stunning views of the sea from both sides of the isthmus.

natural

It’s rare to find an isthmus with a city built right on top of it.

natural