Definition

Proper noun: * A specific island: Nantucket is an island and a distinct geographical location. It is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, south of Cape Cod in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. Historically, it was a major global center for the whaling industry during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is primarily known as a summer resort and tourist destination.

Usage Examples

• As a location:
  • We spent our vacation on Nantucket.
  • The ferry to Nantucket departs from Hyannis.
• Referring to its history:
  • In the 1800s, Nantucket was one of the most important whaling ports in the world.
• As a modern destination:
  • She owns a cottage on Nantucket.

Advanced Usage

• "Off Nantucket": A phrase used in historical or nautical contexts to specify a location in the waters surrounding the island.
  • The ship was lost off Nantucket in a storm.
• Used attributively to describe things originating from or associated with the island.
  • Nantucket architecture often features grey shingles.
  • He brought back a Nantucket basket as a souvenir.

Variants and Related Words

• Nantucketer (noun): A person who is from or lives on Nantucket.
  • The Nantucketers are proud of their island's heritage.

Synonyms

• Island resort
• Historic whaling port

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A Nantucket sleigh ride": A historical nautical term describing the experience of a whaling boat being pulled at high speed by a harpooned whale. It is now sometimes used metaphorically for a wild, uncontrollable ride or experience.
  • The stock market's volatility gave investors a Nantucket sleigh ride.

Noun

1. an island resort off Cape Cod; formerly a center of the whaling industry