Mainland

Mainland

Noun / Adjective · /ˈmeɪn.lænd/

Definition

(Noun) a large continuous extent of land regarded in relation to nearby islands or territories; the main landmass of a country, as distinct from its islands or overseas territories; (Adjective) of or relating to the mainland.

Origin

From main (principal, chief — from Old French main, from Latin manus, hand, in the sense of principal or dominant) + land (from Old English land). The word mainland is attested from the 16th century. The sense of principal or chief land, as opposed to islands, reflects the concept of the primary landmass as the dominant territory.