cocos islands: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2/proficiency level)Formal, geographical, academic
Quick answer
What does “cocos islands” mean?
A remote Australian external territory consisting of two small atolls and 27 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, also known as the Keeling Islands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A remote Australian external territory consisting of two small atolls and 27 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, also known as the Keeling Islands.
Often referenced in geographical, political, and historical contexts as an example of a remote island territory, with discussions about its administration, ecology, and role in maritime history.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use 'Cocos Islands'. Historically a British possession, now an Australian territory.
Connotations
Connotes remoteness, colonial history, and unique ecology in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing primarily in geographical, historical, or political texts.
Grammar
How to Use “cocos islands” in a Sentence
the Cocos Islands + verb (are, lie, comprise)preposition + the Cocos Islands (in, of, to, from)adjective + Cocos Islands (remote, Australian, external)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cocos islands” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Cocos Islands community is small and close-knit.
- We studied Cocos Islands history.
American English
- The Cocos Islands administration is based in West Island.
- A Cocos Islands conservation project is underway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of remote work, telecommunications, or niche tourism.
Academic
Used in geography, political science (decolonisation, external territories), and environmental studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation unless discussing travel, geography quizzes, or Australian territories.
Technical
Used in maritime navigation, meteorology (for weather reports), and official Australian government documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cocos islands”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cocos islands”
- Using a singular verb (e.g., 'Cocos Islands is...') – it should be plural ('Cocos Islands are...'). Misspelling as 'Coco Islands' or 'Cocos Island'. Confusing them with the Cocos Island (Isla del Coco) of Costa Rica.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are in the Indian Ocean and are Australian. The Cook Islands are in the South Pacific and are self-governing in free association with New Zealand.
The population is around 600 people, primarily of Malay descent (on Home Island) and European-Australian descent (on West Island).
Historically, copra (dried coconut kernel) production. Today, it is largely supported by the Australian government, with some tourism and small-scale agriculture.
They were discovered in 1609 by Captain William Keeling of the British East India Company. The name 'Cocos' comes from the abundant coconut palms.
A remote Australian external territory consisting of two small atolls and 27 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, also known as the Keeling Islands.
Cocos islands is usually formal, geographical, academic in register.
Cocos islands: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.kəʊs ˈaɪ.ləndz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.koʊs ˈaɪ.ləndz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'cocos' sounding like 'coconuts' – these islands are known for coconut palms. 'Keeling' might make you think of a ship 'keeling over' near these remote isles.
Conceptual Metaphor
REMOTENESS IS DISTANCE; A TERRITORY IS A POSSESSION.
Practice
Quiz
What is another historical name for the Cocos Islands?