oasis
Oasis (noun) means a fertile spot with water in the middle of a desert. Example: “The camel caravan rested at the oasis before continuing across the dunes.”
How to use oasis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA green, watered spot in a desert, or more generally, a peaceful break from a difficult or busy situation.
Word forms
oases plural, oasises plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The camel caravan rested at the _____ before continuing across the dunes.
Etymology
From Late Latin oasis, from Ancient Greek oasis, ultimately from an Egyptian word for a fertile hollow.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for oasis
See all rhymes for oasis →Frequently asked questions
What does “oasis” mean?
The word “oasis” means a fertile spot with water in the middle of a desert. In plain terms, a green, watered spot in a desert, or more generally, a peaceful break from a difficult or busy situation.
How do you pronounce “oasis”?
“Oasis” is pronounced oh-AY-sihs (/oʊˈeɪsɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “oasis” in a sentence?
Here is “oasis” used in a sentence: “The camel caravan rested at the oasis before continuing across the dunes.”
What part of speech is “oasis”?
“Oasis” is a noun.
Where does the word “oasis” come from?
The word “oasis” comes from Ancient Greek. From Late Latin oasis, from Ancient Greek oasis, ultimately from an Egyptian word for a fertile hollow.
Is “oasis” a common word?
“Oasis” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “oasis” have?
“Oasis” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fertile spot with water in the middle of a desert.
What is the difference between an oasis and a mirage?
An oasis is a real, fertile spot with water found in the middle of a desert, supporting plants and life. A mirage, by contrast, is an optical illusion caused by heat and light, making something like water appear where none actually exists.
Can oasis be used figuratively?
Yes, oasis is often used to describe a calm, pleasant place or moment amid stress or chaos, such as 'the garden was an oasis in the busy city.' This figurative sense keeps the core idea of relief and refuge found in the literal desert meaning.
What makes a location an oasis rather than just a desert water source?
An oasis is specifically a fertile spot, meaning it supports vegetation and often human or animal life because of its water source, unlike a bare well or spring that lacks surrounding fertility. The fertility and life it sustains are what distinguish an oasis from a simple water point.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include oasis: