the solid part of the earth’s surface that is not covered by water
After three days at sea, the passengers cheered when they finally saw land ahead.
Many animals move easily on land but struggle in deep water.
✦ Old English “land” meaning ground, soil, country, from Proto-Germanic *landą.
an area of ground owned, used, or controlled by a person, family, or organization
Her family has farmed this land for generations.
The city bought the vacant land to build a new park.
to come down through the air and touch the ground or another surface
The airplane landed smoothly despite the strong wind.
Watch your step when you land after a jump.
present participle of the verb “land”
The plane is landing now, so please fasten your seatbelts.
Birds were landing on the balcony railing to peck at the seeds.
✦ See main entry for “land.”
a country or nation, especially in a poetic or emotional way
She dreamed of exploring distant lands beyond the ocean.
Stories from the land of ancient Egypt fascinated the class.
to bring someone or something down to the ground or onto a surface, especially from the air or water
The pilot landed the helicopter in a small clearing.
Fishermen landed the boat safely on the rocky shore.
to succeed in getting something desirable, such as a job, contract, or prize
She landed a great job at an international firm.
The company hopes to land a big contract with the government.
to hit or deliver something successfully, especially a punch or kick
The boxer landed a powerful left hook.
She managed to land a precise kick to her opponent’s chest.
the people of a country considered as a community
The whole land celebrated the victory.
News of the king’s return spread quickly across the land.
a platform or small dock at the edge of water where boats load or unload people or goods
We waited at the river landing for the ferry to arrive.
Fishermen unloaded their catch at the wooden landing.
✦ Extends the older sense of “coming to land” to mean the place where such arrival happens; in use since at least the 17th century for river trade.
a freestanding counter or work surface in the middle of a kitchen
She chopped vegetables on the marble island while her kids did homework.
The builder suggested adding a wooden island with bar stools to gain extra seating.
a small raised area in the middle of a road that separates lanes of traffic or provides a safe place for pedestrians
The pedestrian waited on the traffic island before crossing the next lane.
Flowers planted on the central island brightened the otherwise gray intersection.
