Definition

Proper noun 1. A Pacific island captured by U.S. forces in 1944: An island that was a significant Japanese stronghold during World War II, seized by United States forces in July 1944. It subsequently served as a crucial air base for Allied operations in the Pacific theater until the war's end. 2. The largest and capital island of the Northern Mariana Islands: The biggest island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a U.S. commonwealth. It functions as the administrative and commercial center of the archipelago.

Usage Examples

• Historical Context:
  • The Battle of Saipan was a turning point in the Pacific War.
  • After its capture, Saipan was used as a base for B-29 bombers.
• Geographical/Political Context:
  • Saipan is the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Tourism is a major industry on the island of Saipan.

Advanced Usage

• "the Saipan campaign": Refers specifically to the military offensive and battle to capture the island in 1944.
  • The Saipan campaign resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
• "Saipan's role": Used to discuss the island's strategic or economic function.
  • Saipan's role as a financial center has evolved over the decades.

Variants and Related Words

• Saipanese (adjective): Of or relating to Saipan.
  • Saipanese culture is a unique blend of influences.
• Northern Mariana Islands: The political entity of which Saipan is the capital.

Synonyms

• Island capital (in the context of the CNMI).
• Strategic base (in the historical military context).

Related Phrases

• Fall of Saipan: A phrase denoting the event of the island's capture by U.S. forces.
  • The fall of Saipan precipitated a political crisis in Japan.
• On Saipan: Used to indicate location or events occurring on the island.
  • Several important historical sites are located on Saipan.

Noun

1. US forces captured the island from the Japanese in July 1944; it was an important air base until the end of World War II
2. the largest island in the Northern Marianas and the administrative center of the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in union with the United States