cayman islands: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal / Geographical / Financial / Travel
Quick answer
What does “cayman islands” mean?
A British Overseas Territory, comprising three islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) in the Caribbean Sea, known for its finance sector and tourism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A British Overseas Territory, comprising three islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) in the Caribbean Sea, known for its finance sector and tourism.
A geographical and political entity often associated with offshore finance, a high standard of living, and as a popular destination for scuba diving and cruise ships.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a proper noun; no significant lexical differences between BrE and AmE usage. Differences may appear in associated descriptive language (e.g., 'holiday' vs. 'vacation' to the Cayman Islands).
Connotations
In both dialects, strongly associated with finance (tax havens, offshore banking) and luxury tourism. In British context, also connotes a historical colonial link.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects, though likely higher in financial and travel contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cayman islands” in a Sentence
located in + (body of water)comprised of + (number/list)known for + (characteristic)travel to + Cayman IslandsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cayman islands” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The firm is looking to Cayman its holdings.
- They decided to Cayman-ise the trust structure.
American English
- The asset was Caymanned for liability protection.
- He advised Caymanizing the portfolio.
adverb
British English
- The company operates Cayman-style.
American English
- The fund is managed Cayman-wise.
adjective
British English
- Caymanian law
- A Cayman Islands-registered vessel
American English
- Cayman-based funds
- Cayman Islands financial regulations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company is incorporated in the Cayman Islands for tax purposes.
Academic
The constitutional status of the Cayman Islands was examined in the paper.
Everyday
We're planning a diving holiday in the Cayman Islands next winter.
Technical
The jurisdiction applies common law, derived from English law.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cayman islands”
- Incorrect: Cayman Island (missing the 's').
- Incorrect: I went to Cayman Islands (missing the definite article 'the').
- Incorrect: The Cayman Islands is a country (it's a territory).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are a British Overseas Territory, meaning they are under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United Kingdom but are largely self-governing.
The main industries are financial services (especially offshore banking and insurance) and tourism.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many visitors, including those from the US, UK, and Canada, do not require a visa for short tourist stays.
The official currency is the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD), but US dollars are also widely accepted.
A British Overseas Territory, comprising three islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) in the Caribbean Sea, known for its finance sector and tourism.
Cayman islands is usually formal / geographical / financial / travel in register.
Cayman islands: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪmən ˈaɪləndz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪmən ˈaɪləndz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “clear as a Cayman lagoon”
- “Cayman kind (local phrase for hospitality)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CAYMAN ISLANDS: Can You Manage Assets? It's Not A Secret - it's a famous finance hub.
Conceptual Metaphor
ISLAND AS SANCTUARY/HAVEN (financial haven, tourist paradise).
Practice
Quiz
What is the capital of the Cayman Islands?