galapagos islands: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Journalistic, Geographic
Quick answer
What does “galapagos islands” mean?
An archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, west of Ecuador, renowned for their unique and isolated ecosystem and as the site that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, west of Ecuador, renowned for their unique and isolated ecosystem and as the site that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
A metaphor for any isolated place or environment that fosters unique, unusual, or archaic characteristics; a living laboratory for studying evolution, ecology, and conservation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties consistently refer to the islands by their Spanish name. Pronunciation differences (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical connotations of unique wildlife, scientific importance, and exotic travel destination.
Frequency
Equal frequency in geographic, academic, and environmental discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “galapagos islands” in a Sentence
in the Galapagos Islandsto the Galapagos Islandsfrom the Galapagos Islandsof the Galapagos IslandsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “galapagos islands” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Galapagos Islands conservation project is a priority.
- He studied the Galapagos Islands finch populations.
American English
- The Galapagos Islands ecosystem is fragile.
- She works for a Galapagos Islands research foundation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism marketing: 'The company specialises in luxury tours to the Galapagos Islands.'
Academic
Frequent in biology, ecology, geology, and environmental science: 'The speciation observed in the Galapagos Islands provides a classic textbook example.'
Everyday
Used in travel contexts and general knowledge: 'We're saving up for a trip to the Galapagos Islands.'
Technical
Used in scientific papers on evolution, conservation biology, and volcanology, referring to precise geographic coordinates and endemic species.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “galapagos islands”
- Incorrect spelling: 'Gallapagos', 'Galapogos'.
- Incorrect capitalisation: 'galapagos islands'.
- Using a singular verb for the plural noun: 'The Galapagos Islands is...' (Correct: 'The Galapagos Islands are...').
- Omitting the definite article 'the': 'They visited Galapagos Islands.' (Correct: '...the Galapagos Islands.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are important because their isolated location led to the evolution of many unique species not found anywhere else. Studying these species helped Charles Darwin formulate his theory of evolution by natural selection.
The Galapagos Islands are a province of Ecuador, a country in South America.
Yes, tourism is a major industry, but it is highly regulated to protect the fragile environment. Visitors must be accompanied by licensed guides and follow strict biosecurity rules.
The name comes from the old Spanish word 'galápago', meaning 'saddle'—a reference to the shape of the shells of the giant tortoises found there.
An archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, west of Ecuador, renowned for their unique and isolated ecosystem and as the site that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Galapagos islands is usually formal, academic, journalistic, geographic in register.
Galapagos islands: in British English it is pronounced /ɡəˈlæp.ə.ɡəs ˈaɪ.ləndz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡəˈlɑː.pə.ɡoʊs ˈaɪ.ləndz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] a Galapagos Islands of technology (an isolated, uniquely developed tech ecosystem)”
- “[Metaphorical] to be the Galapagos Islands of... (to be an isolated place with unique, archaic features)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant GALApagos tortoise carrying a map (MAP) and an O-S (OS) sign, standing on some ISLANDS. 'Gala' (like a celebration) of unique animals on islands.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NATURAL LABORATORY (for evolution); A LIVING MUSEUM (of archaic species); AN ISOLATED ARK (preserving unique life).
Practice
Quiz
What is the Galapagos Islands most famously associated with?