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Glite Dictionary
Midway Islands

Midway Islands

6.8
A small group of islands in the central Pacific Ocean where the United States has a military base
  • proper noun
  • /ˈmɪdweɪ ˈaɪləndz/
translation icon : Islas Midway
  • The Midway Islands are located in the central Pacific Ocean.

Examples

  • The Midway Islands were the location of a pivotal naval battle during World War II.

  • Many rare seabird species nest on the Midway Islands.

  • The military presence on the Midway Islands played a crucial role in Pacific strategy.

  • Did you know that the Midway Islands were crucial during World War II?

  • The Midway Islands were the location of a pivotal naval battle during World War II.

  • Many rare seabird species nest on the Midway Islands.

  • The military presence on the Midway Islands played a crucial role in Pacific strategy.

Synonyms

Midway Atoll
vsMidway Islands
7.4

A ring of small islands in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands that is the site of the Battle of Midway

is the general place term stressing strategic base and central Pacific location

Surface Forms

Midway Islands main

Morphology

Midway + island

The element 'islands' makes it clear this is a geographic entity composed of islands, so part of the meaning is immediately accessible to learners who know 'island'. However, 'Midway' is a proper name whose specific referent, location, and historical/strategic significance cannot be predicted from the constituents alone and requires world knowledge, so the overall expression is only partly predictable.

Etymology

Midway Islands may come from sailors calling the place a midway because it lies about 'halfway' between North America and Asia on old sea routes. That's why the name means islands 'in the middle' of the Pacific and helps explain their role as an important stop and base.