isle
1 synonym for isle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An island, especially a small one — often used in place names or poetic language.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Old French isle, from Latin insula ("island"). Not historically related to "island," despite the similar spelling — the "s" was added to both words separately in the 1500s.
Full origin of isle →Frequently asked questions
What does “isle” mean?
The word “isle” means an island, especially a small one — often used in place names or poetic language. In plain terms, a slightly more literary or old-fashioned word for a small island.
How do you pronounce “isle”?
“Isle” is pronounced yl (/aɪ̯l/ in IPA).
How do you use “isle” in a sentence?
Here is “isle” used in a sentence: “They sailed to a tiny isle just off the coast.”
What part of speech is “isle”?
“Isle” is a noun.
Where does the word “isle” come from?
The word “isle” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Latin. From Old French isle, from Latin insula ("island"). Not historically related to "island," despite the similar spelling — the "s" was added to both words separately in the 1500s.
Is “isle” a common word?
“Isle” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between isle and island?
Isle and island both mean a piece of land surrounded by water, but isle is generally used in place names or poetic and literary language, especially for smaller islands. Island is the everyday, general-purpose word.
Why do isle and aisle sound the same but mean different things?
Isle and aisle are homophones that sound identical but have unrelated meanings: isle refers to an island, while aisle refers to a passage between rows of seats or shelves. Their spellings are the main way to tell them apart in writing.
Is isle used in everyday speech or mainly in names?
Isle is used far more often in place names, such as the Isle of Man, and in poetic or literary language than in everyday speech. For ordinary use, island is the more common word.
