bermuda: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral
Quick answer
What does “bermuda” mean?
A British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic, comprising an archipelago of islands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic, comprising an archipelago of islands.
Used attributively to denote things associated with the territory, such as style (Bermuda shorts) or geographical phenomena (Bermuda Triangle).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The attributive form 'Bermudan' is more common in UK English; 'Bermudian' is standard in both, but perhaps slightly more frequent in US English.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations are neutral/geographic, or relate to vacation, finance (as an offshore centre), or the mysterious (Bermuda Triangle).
Frequency
Similar frequency, though specific collocations like 'Bermuda shorts' may be slightly more common in US fashion contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bermuda” in a Sentence
the island(s) of Bermudaa resident of Bermudaa trip to BermudaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bermuda” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Bermudan economy is reliant on international business.
- We studied Bermudan history.
American English
- Bermudian law is unique.
- She wore a Bermudian flag pin.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the offshore financial centre and its regulatory environment.
Academic
Used in geographical, historical, or economic studies of island territories.
Everyday
Most commonly refers to a holiday destination or the mysterious Bermuda Triangle.
Technical
In botany: 'Bermuda grass' (Cynodon dactylon). In meteorology/climatology: references to the Bermuda High pressure system.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bermuda”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bermuda”
- Misspelling as 'Bermudas' when referring to the territory (correct: 'Bermuda' or 'the islands of Bermuda').
- Using 'Bermudian' as a noun for a person but 'Bermudan' for the adjective (both forms are used interchangeably, but 'Bermudian' is more standard for both).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory with internal self-government.
Bermuda shorts are a specific style of tailored shorts, ending just above the knee, historically associated with the island's dress code.
The Bermuda Triangle is a loosely defined region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean, with vertices roughly at Miami, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico.
A person from Bermuda is called a Bermudian (also less commonly Bermudan).
A British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic, comprising an archipelago of islands.
Bermuda is usually neutral in register.
Bermuda: in British English it is pronounced /bəˈmjuː.də/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɚˈmjuː.də/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Bermuda Shorts' – the place is known for this knee-length clothing, helping recall the name.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PARADISE (as a tourist destination); A MYSTERY (via the Bermuda Triangle).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Bermuda' most precisely defined as?