holy island: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Literary, Historical, Geographical
Quick answer
What does “holy island” mean?
An island that is considered sacred or of special religious significance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An island that is considered sacred or of special religious significance.
Any isolated place regarded with deep reverence or as a spiritual sanctuary; figuratively, a place set apart from the secular world.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, it frequently refers to specific places (Lindisfarne, Anglesey). In US English, usage is more generalized or historical.
Connotations
UK: Strong historical, pilgrimage, Celtic Christianity. US: More abstract, possibly metaphorical.
Frequency
More common in UK English due to famous physical referents.
Grammar
How to Use “holy island” in a Sentence
the holy island of [Place Name]a holy island for [Religion/Group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holy island” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is accessible via a causeway at low tide.
- Ancient monks sought out remote holy islands for contemplation.
American English
- The history of the holy island off the Maine coast is fascinating.
- The novel's setting was a fictional holy island in the Pacific.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in tourism marketing: 'Experience the tranquillity of a holy island.'
Academic
Used in history, theology, and human geography to describe sites of pilgrimage or religious seclusion.
Everyday
Used when discussing travel, history, or spirituality. 'We visited a holy island in Scotland.'
Technical
Specific in archaeology/history for sites with religious structures (e.g., monastic settlements).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holy island”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holy island”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holy island”
- Capitalising incorrectly when used descriptively (a 'holy island' vs. 'Holy Island'). Using 'holy isle' interchangeably, though 'isle' is more poetic.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When referring to the specific island in Northumberland (Lindisfarne), it is a proper noun and capitalised. When used descriptively (e.g., 'a holy island'), it is a common noun phrase.
Lindisfarne, off the northeast coast of England, also known simply as Holy Island, is one of the most famous due to its early medieval monastery and Viking raids.
Yes, it can describe any place or state of mind that feels spiritually set apart or sanctuary-like, e.g., 'His library was his holy island.'
Absolutely. Many religions have sacred islands, such as Miyajima (Shinto) in Japan, or Delos (Greek mythology) in Greece.
An island that is considered sacred or of special religious significance.
Holy island is usually formal, literary, historical, geographical in register.
Holy island: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊli ˈaɪlənd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊli ˈaɪlənd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He/She] treats his study like a holy island.”
- “It's no holy island, but it's peaceful.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HOLY + ISLAND = An ISLAND that is HOLY (set apart for faith).
Conceptual Metaphor
ISOLATED SPIRITUALITY IS AN ISLAND; A SANCTUARY IS A SEPARATE LANDMASS.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a 'holy island'?