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St. Martin

St. Martin

3.5
An island in the Caribbean divided between France and the Netherlands
  • proper noun
translation icon : San Martín
  • Flights to St. Martin often arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport.

Examples

  • Tourists flock to St. Martin for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

  • I visited St. Martin last summer.

  • Many tourists visit St. Martin each year for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture.

  • The island of St. Martin is unique because it is divided between two countries.

  • Have you ever been to St. Martin?

  • I much prefer the village of Marigot on St. Martin, the French side of the island.

  • After a long flight, we finally arrived on the stunning island of St. Martin.

Synonyms

Saint Maarten
vsSt. Martin
4.4

An island in the Caribbean shared by France and the Netherlands

is given as in the western Leeward Islands with joint administration unnamed
St. Maarten
vsSt. Martin
3.6

An island in the northeast Caribbean shared by France and the Netherlands

is placed in the western Leeward Islands rather than the northeast
Saint Martin
vsSt. Martin
3.8

An island in the northeast Caribbean shared by France and the Netherlands

is described in western Leeward Islands and as jointly administered not just divided

Surface Forms

St. Martin main

Morphology

St. + Martin

The form 'St. Martin' transparently indicates 'Saint Martin' and signals a proper name; a B1 learner who knows 'Saint' and 'Martin' will recognize it as a name (often used for places named after a saint). However, the precise referent and extra information (that it is an island in the Caribbean and jointly administered by France and the Netherlands) cannot be inferred from the constituents alone, so the meaning is only partially predictable.

Etymology

St. Martin is the island's name because one popular story says Christopher Columbus reached the place on St. Martin's feast day, November 11. That's why the island still carries the saint's name today.