Definition

Proper noun: 1. A small island nation in the central Pacific Ocean: Nauru Island is a sovereign state comprising a single, isolated island. It is located approximately 2,800 miles southwest of Hawaii, within the Micronesia region, west of the Gilbert Islands.

Usage Notes

• "Nauru Island" is the full geographical name for the landmass. In most political and contemporary contexts, the country is simply called Nauru.
• It functions as a singular proper noun. When referring to the island itself, it is treated as a singular entity (e.g., "Nauru Island is rich in phosphate").
• The demonym (word for a person from this place) is Nauruan.

Examples

• As a subject:
• As an object:
• Showing location:

Advanced Usage

• "The Republic of Nauru": This is the official formal name of the sovereign nation.
  • The Republic of Nauru is a member of the United Nations.
• "Pleasant Island": This was the historical name given to Nauru by early European visitors.
  • British whalers in the 19th century referred to it as Pleasant Island.

Variants and Related Words

• Nauru (Proper noun): The common short name for the country.
  • Nauru gained independence in 1968.
• Nauruan (Adjective): Relating to Nauru Island or its people.
  • Nauruan culture is unique.
• Nauruan (Noun): A person from Nauru.
  • The Nauruans celebrated their national day.

Synonyms

• The Republic of Nauru (formal political synonym)
• Pleasant Island (historical synonym)

Related Phrases

• Phosphate mining on Nauru Island: This phrase is closely associated with the island's 20th-century economic history.
  • Phosphate mining on Nauru Island profoundly altered its landscape.
• The geography of Nauru Island: A common phrase for academic or descriptive contexts.
  • The geography of Nauru Island features a central plateau.

Noun

1. a small island in the central Pacific Ocean 2,800 miles to the southwest of Hawaii; in Micronesia to the west of the Gilbert Islands