clipperton island: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “clipperton island” mean?
The name of an uninhabited, small, ring-shaped coral atoll in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name of an uninhabited, small, ring-shaped coral atoll in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
A specific geographical entity and territory of France, sometimes referenced in discussions of remote islands, territorial disputes, oceanography, or French overseas possessions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in usage; it is a proper name. British sources may more consistently hyphenate as 'Clipperton Island'.
Connotations
Neutral geographical/political reference in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, appearing primarily in geographical, historical, or political contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “clipperton island” in a Sentence
[preposition 'of'] Clipperton Island[verb of location] + Clipperton IslandVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clipperton island” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team hopes to survey the lagoon.
American English
- The team hopes to survey the lagoon.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The Clipperton Island territory is administered from French Polynesia.
American English
- The Clipperton Island territory is administered from French Polynesia.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in geography, history, or political science papers discussing remote territories or the Eastern Pacific.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only in specific conversations about remote places or trivia.
Technical
Used in oceanographic, ecological, or geopolitical reports concerning the region.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clipperton island”
- Misspelling as 'Clipperton Island', 'Clipperton Island', or 'Clipper Island'.
- Using it with an article ('the Clipperton Island') is incorrect as it's a proper name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, about 1,080 km southwest of Mexico.
It is an overseas state private property of France, directly under the government.
No, it is uninhabited. It has had temporary occupants like guano miners, military personnel, and scientists, but no permanent population.
It is named after the English privateer (or pirate) John Clipperton, who may have used it as a base in the early 18th century.
The name of an uninhabited, small, ring-shaped coral atoll in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Clipperton island is usually formal / technical in register.
Clipperton island: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklɪpətən ˈaɪlənd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklɪpərtən ˈaɪlənd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a proper noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'clipper' ship (named after John Clipperton) 'ton'-ing down near an island.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Proper noun).
Practice
Quiz
What is Clipperton Island primarily known as?