name
Common
Ireland
AH-eer-luhnd
Ireland (name) means an island in northwestern Europe, and the country occupying most of it (distinct from Northern Ireland, part of the UK). Example: “They spent two weeks touring the west coast of Ireland.”
name
1
An island in northwestern Europe, and the country occupying most of it (distinct from Northern Ireland, part of the UK).
"The crux of Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit issue lies in the fact it is a British territory on the island of Ireland, meaning it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member."
— , UK’s Sunak in Northern Ireland after landing new Brexit trade deal (2023)
"They spent two weeks touring the west coast of Ireland."
"Ireland is known for its green countryside and traditional music."
How to use Ireland
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe island and country west of Great Britain, home of the Irish.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Irelands
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They spent two weeks touring the west coast of _____.
Etymology
From Old English Īrland, from Īras ("Irishmen") plus land, ultimately tracing back to Old Irish Ériu, the native name for the island.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for Ireland
Leland
Iceland
Zeeland
homeland
Copeland
Moreland
Breeland
wasteland
Cleveland
Dixieland
Westmoreland
See all rhymes for Ireland →
Frequently asked questions
What does “Ireland” mean?
The word “Ireland” means an island in northwestern Europe, and the country occupying most of it (distinct from Northern Ireland, part of the UK). In plain terms, the island and country west of Great Britain, home of the Irish.
How do you pronounce “Ireland”?
“Ireland” is pronounced AH-eer-luhnd ([ˈäɪɚɫɪ̈nd] in IPA).
How do you use “Ireland” in a sentence?
Here is “Ireland” used in a sentence: “They spent two weeks touring the west coast of Ireland.”
What is another word for “Ireland”?
Words with a similar meaning to “Ireland” include Republic of Ireland, Southern Ireland, Eire, Free State, Éire and Hibernia.
What part of speech is “Ireland”?
“Ireland” is a name.
Where does the word “Ireland” come from?
The word “Ireland” comes from Old English. From Old English Īrland, from Īras ("Irishmen") plus land, ultimately tracing back to Old Irish Ériu, the native name for the island.
Is “Ireland” a common word?
“Ireland” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland?
Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, is an independent country occupying most of the island of Ireland, with its capital in Dublin. Northern Ireland is a separate region in the northeast that is part of the United Kingdom. The two share one island but have different governments.
Is Ireland part of the United Kingdom?
No. The Republic of Ireland is a fully independent country and has been since it left the United Kingdom in the early twentieth century; it is also a member of the European Union. Only Northern Ireland, in the island's northeast, remains part of the United Kingdom.
What is the difference between Ireland the island and Ireland the country?
Ireland can mean two things: the whole island in northwestern Europe, or the country, the Republic of Ireland, that covers about five-sixths of it. The remaining northeastern part of the island is Northern Ireland, which belongs to the United Kingdom rather than the Republic.
What is the capital of Ireland?
The capital of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin, on the island's east coast. It is the country's largest city and its political, cultural, and economic centre. Belfast, by contrast, is the capital of Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
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