Another Word For Archipelago

Meaning

An archipelago is a geographical term that refers to a group or chain of islands clustered together in a body of water. These islands can vary in size and are often formed through volcanic activity, erosion, or sea-level changes. Archipelagos can be found in oceans, seas, and sometimes in large lakes.

Synonyms

• Island chain
• Isle group
• Atoll (in specific contexts)

Antonyms

• Continent
• Landmass
• Mainland

Etymology

The word "archipelago" comes from the Italian term "arcipelago," which referred to the Aegean Sea and its islands. The Greek roots are "archi-" meaning "chief" and "pelagos" meaning "sea." Originally, it described the Aegean Sea and its numerous islands, but the term has since broadened to describe any group of islands.

Examples

1. The Bahamas is a well-known archipelago in the Caribbean, made up of over 700 islands.
2. Tourists often flock to the Indonesian archipelago for its stunning beaches and diverse marine life.
3. The Greek archipelago consists of many islands, each offering unique cultural experiences.
4. Robinson Crusoe was famously shipwrecked on a deserted island in an undiscovered archipelago.
5. The country of Japan is an example of an archipelago comprised of four main islands and numerous smaller ones.