Oahu Island

3.8

An island in Hawaii with the city of Honolulu and many beaches

proper noun
/oʊˈɑːhuː ˈaɪlənd/

: isla de Oahu

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located on Oahu Island.

Examples

Pearl Harbor, found on Oahu Island, is a site of major historical significance.
Many tourists visit Oahu Island every year to enjoy its beautiful beaches and vibrant city life.
I love visiting Oahu Island every summer.
The beaches on Oahu Island are stunning!
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located on Oahu Island.
Many tourists visit Oahu Island every year to enjoy its beautiful beaches and vibrant city life.
Pearl Harbor, found on Oahu Island, is a site of major historical significance.

Synonyms

Oahu

vsOahu Island

24 3.5

A Hawaiian island with Honolulu, many beaches, and mountains

adds its rank as third largest and mentions the state capital is there

Surface Forms

Oahu Island main

Morphology

Oahu + island

The meaning 'the island Oahu' is directly and compositionally derived from the proper name 'Oahu' combined with the noun 'island' (land surrounded by water). This follows a common, cross-linguistic naming pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will understand the MWE.

Etymology

Oahu Island may come from the Hawaiian word Oʻahu, and one popular story says it means 'the gathering place'. Because Honolulu and many people meet and live there, that image of a busy, central island helps explain the name Oahu Island.