martinique

martinique — noun

1. a large island in the eastern Caribbean Sea that is an official part of France;

1.nounB1
Definition

a large island in the eastern Caribbean Sea that is an official part of France; it is known for its beaches, rainforests, and the active volcano Mount Pelée

Example

Sade spent two weeks in Martinique learning about Creole culture and French history.

prepositional phrase: in Martinique

The travel agency offers direct flights from Paris to Martinique every Saturday.

Common collocations
  • in Martinique
  • to Martinique
  • from Martinique
  • visit Martinique
  • Martinique's [feature]
Synonyms
  • Madinina

    historical Carib name meaning 'island of flowers', sometimes used in poetic or tourism writing

Usage Note

Martinique is an overseas department (département d'outre-mer) of France, meaning it sends representatives to the French parliament and uses the euro as its official currency.

2. the same island considered as an administrative and political region of France —

2.nounB2
Definition

the same island considered as an administrative and political region of France — one of its overseas departments, with Fort-de-France as the capital and its own elected local council

Example

Martinique became a French overseas department in 1946, gaining the same status as regions in mainland France.

political status: overseas department

The population of Martinique is about 360,000 people, most of whom speak French and Creole.

Common collocations
  • the population of Martinique
  • the capital of Martinique
  • the government of Martinique
  • the island of Martinique

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • overseas department of Martinique
  • the island of Martinique

Prepositions

Etymology

CaribSpanishFrenchEnglish

The name Martinique likely comes from the Carib word Madinina, meaning 'island of flowers,' which early explorers heard from the indigenous people. When Christopher Columbus arrived in 1502, he gave the island a Spanish name after Saint Martin. French colonists later adapted the name into its present spelling, Martinique.