mainland
word
/ˈmeɪnˌɫænd/
MAYN-land
/mˈeɪnlənd/
MAYN-luhnd
Definition
The main part of a country or continent, not including any islands nearby or belonging to it.
Usage & Nuances
'Mainland' is mostly used in geographic or travel contexts to contrast with 'islands' (e.g., 'mainland China'). It can refer to the central continuous landmass. Do not confuse with 'continent', which refers to even larger land divisions.
Spanish: continente (geografía) - tierra firmePortuguese (BR): continente - terra firmePortuguese (PT): continente - terra firmeChinese (Simplified): 大陆Chinese (Traditional): 大陸Hindi: मुख्यभूमिArabic: البر الرئيسيBengali: মেইনল্যান্ড - মূলভূমিRussian: материкJapanese: 本土 - 大陸Vietnamese: đất liềnKorean: 본토Turkish: ana karaUrdu: برِ اعظم - مرکزی زمینIndonesian: daratan utama
Example Sentences
If you want more shopping options, head to the mainland.
natural
We took a ferry from the island to the mainland.
basic
The animals live only on the mainland.
basic
My family moved from an island to the mainland for work.
basic
Flights to the mainland are often cheaper in winter.
natural
Many tourists visit the islands but rarely explore the mainland.
natural