newfoundland

newfoundland — noun

1. A large island in the Atlantic Ocean along Canada's eastern shore. Together with

1.nounB1
Definition

A large island in the Atlantic Ocean along Canada's eastern shore. Together with the region of Labrador, this island forms a Canadian province known for its rugged coast, frequent fog, and historic fishing communities.

Example

Ignacio's family drove along the rocky coast of Newfoundland during their summer vacation.

collocation: coast of Newfoundland

Thick fog over Newfoundland delayed all flights at St. John's Airport.

Common collocations
  • coast of Newfoundland
  • island of Newfoundland
  • off the coast of Newfoundland
  • much of Newfoundland
  • across Newfoundland

Grammar Patterns

the island of Newfoundland

Usage Note

Often used with the definite article when referring specifically to the island ('the island of Newfoundland'), but bare 'Newfoundland' commonly refers to the island in travel and geography contexts.

Common Mistakes

Newfoundland is a country near Canada.
Newfoundland is an island that is part of Canada.
Newfoundland is not an independent country; it is part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

2. A very large, powerful dog breed originally from the Canadian region of Newfound

2.nounA2
Definition

A very large, powerful dog breed originally from the Canadian region of Newfoundland. It has a thick, waterproof coat, webbed feet, and a natural instinct for swimming, often used in water rescue.

Example

Christopher's Newfoundland gently pulled the child from the lake during the family picnic.

Newfoundland as subject in rescue scenario

Selim adopted a Newfoundland from the local shelter and takes it swimming every weekend.

Common collocations
  • Newfoundland dog
  • Newfoundland puppy
  • Newfoundland breed
  • Newfoundland's coat
  • raise a Newfoundland
Synonyms
  • Newfoundland dog

    The full, formal name for the breed, more precise than just 'Newfoundland' alone.

Grammar Patterns

Newfoundland dog

a Newfoundland

Usage Note

When specifying the breed, speakers often say 'Newfoundland dog' or simply 'a Newfoundland.' The breed is sometimes called 'Newfie' informally, though this term can be considered dated or disrespectful when referring to people from the region.

Common Mistakes

A Newfoundland is a small dog from Europe.
A Newfoundland is a very large dog breed from Canada.
Newfoundlands are giant-sized, not small, and they originate from Canada, not Europe.
Idioms

Newfoundland (province)

idiom

A province of eastern Canada that includes the island of Newfoundland and the mainland region of Labrador. Its capital is St. John's, and it is known for its fishing industry, unique culture, and distinct time zone.

Sivan moved to Newfoundland for a job at the university in St. John's.

Newfoundland has its own time zone, thirty minutes ahead of Atlantic Standard Time.

Newfoundland and Labrador

idiom

The full official name of the Canadian province that includes both the island of Newfoundland and the mainland region of Labrador, adopted in 2001.

Yan visited the wild coastline of Labrador during a trip to Newfoundland and Labrador.

The official abbreviation for Newfoundland and Labrador is NL.

Word family

  • Newfoundlander
    nounB1
  • Newfie
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

The Newfoundland is a giant working breed known for water rescue, while the Labrador retriever is a slightly smaller breed also from Newfoundland but bred as a gundog and family companion. Saint Bernards are similarly massive but were developed in the Swiss Alps for mountain rescue, not water work. Leonbergers are another large breed that combines Newfoundland and Saint Bernard ancestry, bred as a companion dog with a lion-like mane. Among these, the Newfoundland is unique for its waterproof coat, webbed feet, and instinctive lifesaving behaviour in water. For example: 'A Newfoundland can swim for miles in near-freezing water, whereas a Saint Bernard would struggle in the same conditions.'

Newfoundland dogLabrador retrieverSaint BernardLeonberger

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinPortugueseItalianEnglish

The name 'Newfoundland' comes from the English phrase 'New found land,' reflecting its discovery by European explorers in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) is believed to have sighted the island in 1497. Earlier Portuguese and Italian maps referred to it as 'Terra Nova' (Latin for 'new land'). The English name was later extended from the island to the surrounding territory and eventually to the Canadian province.