isle
yl
Isle (noun) means an island, especially a small one — often used in place names or poetic language. Example: “They sailed to a tiny isle just off the coast.”
noun
1
An island, especially a small one — often used in place names or poetic language.
"They sailed to a tiny isle just off the coast."
"The Isle of Skye is famous for its dramatic scenery."
"A small, green isle sat quietly in the middle of the bay."
How to use isle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slightly more literary or old-fashioned word for a small island.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "aisle" (a walkway) — they sound identical but mean completely different things.
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Word forms
- Plural
- isles
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They sailed to a tiny _____ just off the coast.
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.
Class of 1500
isle joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for isle
See all rhymes for 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.
