name
Common
Jamaica
juh-MAY-kuh
Jamaica (name) means an island country in the Caribbean Sea, known for reggae music and its distinct culture. Example: “They spent their honeymoon on the beaches of Jamaica.”
name
1
An island country in the Caribbean Sea, known for reggae music and its distinct culture.
"Thomas says the saga resulting in him being stranded and homeless in Jamaica started in February, when he was evicted from the apartment he shared with friends in Killeen, Texas, about an hour north of Austin."
— Zoe Sottile (2025)
"They spent their honeymoon on the beaches of Jamaica."
How to use Jamaica
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe Caribbean island nation.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Jamaica.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They spent their honeymoon on the beaches of _____.
Etymology
From the Taíno word Xaymaca, meaning roughly "land of wood and water."
Rhymes for Jamaica
See all rhymes for Jamaica →Frequently asked questions
What does “Jamaica” mean?
The word “Jamaica” means an island country in the Caribbean Sea, known for reggae music and its distinct culture. In plain terms, the Caribbean island nation.
How do you pronounce “Jamaica”?
“Jamaica” is pronounced juh-MAY-kuh (/d͡ʒəˈmeɪ.kə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Jamaica” in a sentence?
Here is “Jamaica” used in a sentence: “They spent their honeymoon on the beaches of Jamaica.”
What part of speech is “Jamaica”?
“Jamaica” is a name.
Is “Jamaica” a common word?
“Jamaica” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the capital of Jamaica?
The capital of Jamaica is Kingston, which is also the country's largest city and its main commercial centre.
What language is spoken in Jamaica?
The official language of Jamaica is English. Many Jamaicans also speak Jamaican Patois, an English-based creole, in everyday conversation.
Where is Jamaica located?
Jamaica is an island country in the Caribbean Sea and part of the Greater Antilles. It lies south of Cuba and west of the island of Hispaniola.
What is Jamaica best known for?
Jamaica is widely known for reggae music and its distinct culture. It is also recognised internationally for its success in sprinting and for its beaches and tourism.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include Jamaica:
