Definition

Proper noun 1. A group of coral islands in eastern Micronesia: A geographical archipelago of many small islands and atolls located in the central Pacific Ocean. 2. A republic (under United States protection) on the Marshall Islands: The sovereign island nation, officially the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which encompasses this archipelago. It has a special political relationship (a Compact of Free Association) with the United States.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Geographical):

  • The Marshall Islands are known for their beautiful lagoons and marine life.
  • Many atolls in the Marshall Islands are very low-lying.

• Proper noun (Political):

  • The Marshall Islands became an independent republic in 1986.
  • The government of the Marshall Islands is addressing the challenges of climate change.

Advanced Usage

• "The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)": The official full name of the country, often used in formal and diplomatic contexts.
  • The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a member of the United Nations.

Variants and Related Words

• Marshallese (adj): Of or relating to the Marshall Islands or its people.
  • She studies Marshallese culture and language.
• Marshallese (n): A native or inhabitant of the Marshall Islands; the Austronesian language spoken there.
  • The Marshallese have a rich seafaring tradition.

Synonyms

• RMI (acronym): A common abbreviation for the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
• The Marshalls (informal): A shortened, informal name for the islands or the nation.

Related Phrases

• Compact of Free Association: The governing legal and political relationship between the Marshall Islands and the United States.
  • The Compact of Free Association defines defense and economic ties.
• Bikini Atoll: A famous atoll within the Marshall Islands, known for historical nuclear testing.
  • Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands was a nuclear test site.

Noun

1. a group of coral islands in eastern Micronesia
2. a republic (under United States protection) on the Marshall Islands