Mainland
/ˈmeɪn.lænd/noun
The principal landmass of a region, especially when contrasted with nearby islands.
Did you know?The word’s sense developed from the idea of the “main” or principal landmass, usually defined in contrast with islands rather than as the entire continent.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*magh-
“To be able, have power or strength”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*maginą
“Power, strength, capacity”
Old English
Old English
mægenland
“Main or principal land; the land as opposed to surrounding water or islands”
Middle English
Middle English
main land
“The principal landmass, contrasted with islands”
16th Century
English
mainland
“The principal land of a country or region”
Modern English
English
mainland
“A large continuous landmass distinguished from nearby islands”